We reveal the biggest talking points from Clydesdales’ heartbreaking defeat to PNG Hunters

It was one of the games of the season as both sides left absolutely everything out on the field. Check out the biggest talking points from Sunday’s Hostplus Cup clash between the Western Clydesdales and the PNG Hunters

Western Clydesdales and PNG Hunters ahead of their Hostplus Cup clash at Clive Berghofer Stadium on June 9, 2024.

It was another spirited performance from the Western Clydesdales but it was not enough to take home the two points as they suffered a 28-22 defeat at the hands of the Papua New Guinea Hunters on Sunday.

Check out the biggest talking points from the thrilling clash here.

Duo’s magnificent rise continues

It has been a stellar breakthrough year for Clydesdales outside backs Kaden Buhse and Corey Fenning.

The pair have both broken into the Hostplus Cup side this season and have been pivotal to Jason Alchin’s side.

Playing in just his fifth cup game of his career, Buhse crossed over for his fourth try of the season in the seventh minute of the contest.

Corey Fenning in action for the Western Clydesdales. Picture: Benny Hassum Photography

It was also the fourth time that Buhse has scored the Clydesdales’ first try of the game with all of his four pointers coming inside the first 10 minutes of a game.

Fenning scored the hosts’ second try of the game and now has five tries in seven games.

10 minute lapse proves costly

At the 25 minute mark, the Clydesdales held the ascendancy and controlled the contest with a 10-6 lead.

However, a 10 minute assault from the Hunters saw the hosts lose all momentum they had.

PNG scored three tries between the 25th and 35 minute with the first two tries of the blitz coming in back to back sets.

The late first half surge laid down the foundations for the Hunters to claim the win as they took a 24-10 lead at half time and fought valiantly to hold down the fort from there.

Unbelievable goal line defence

With a combined nine tries scored in the game, it would have been easy to think the defence from both sides was poor.

However, in reality, it was the complete opposite.

The Clydesdales were resilient for the full 80 minutes as they held out a surging Hunters offence on several occasions.

While the hosts were spirited in their defensive efforts, the Hunters took their desperation defence to the next level as they defied the odds to hold out the Clydesdales late in the contest.

Alchin’s side had four repeat sets inside the visitors’ 20 late in the game but somehow could not find a way through to level the game.

Taniela Otukolo. Picture: Benny Hassum Photography

Otukolo brings a spark

Hooker Taniela Otukolo is another Clydesdale who has come into his own over the last six weeks.

He was a class above throughout the second half and provided a spark as the hosts fought valiantly to get back into the contest.

An individual piece of brilliance saw the 22 year old score a stunning solo try early in the second half to kickstart their fightback.

Otukolo’s energy was vital for the Clydesdales throughout the second half as he often found ways to gain extra metres and create opportunities for his teammates.