We reveal the biggest talking points from Western Clydesdales’ defeat to Norths Devils in Hostplus Cup

The Western Clydesdales faced a tough Hostplus Cup clash on Saturday when they took on the Norths Devils. Check out the key talking points from the contest here.

The Western Clydesdales were outclassed by Norths Cevils in their latest Hostplus Cup fixture. Picture: Chris Lenehan Sports Photography

It was another difficult clash for the Hostplus Cup Western Clydesdales as they faced a fierce Norths Devils side on Saturday night.

While there were some promising signs, the Devils were ultimately a class above as they cruised to a 38-12 win over the Clydesdales.

Check out the biggest talking points.

Tries conceded in flurries

For much of the contest, the Clydesdales held their own against the Devils but there were two short periods where they let the game slip away.

In the first half, Norths scored three tries between the fourth and 16th minute of the contest to storm out to an early 18-0 lead.

Then, after the Clydesdales had fought back to make it 12-24 early in the second half, the Devils went on a run again.

Norths scored another three unanswered tries in the space of just 10 minutes to put the game on ice.

This is not the first time this season where the Clydesdales have been competitive in periods of the contest but have taken their foot off the gas or not quite been as aggressive for 15 minutes and been made to pay for it.

Taniela Otukolo in action for the New Zealand Warriors in 2022. NRL Imagery

Otukolo impresses

Clydesdales hooker Taniela Otukolo was one of the shining lights and was directly involved in his side’s two tries.

Otukolo scored the Clydesdales’ first try of the contest when he was in the right place at the right time to receive an offload from captain Emry Pere before stepping past a couple of defenders to cross over.

He was then involved in the second try when he made an intercept before setting up Levi Helleur-Atiga in the 45th minute.

Throughout the contest, Otukolo was also a threat out of dummy half as his electric runs caught Norths off guard on a couple of occasions.

Clydesdales promising when in attack

Saturday’s contest was another example of how the Clydesdales can be threatening in attack when they string a few sets together.

While they only crossed over twice, the Clydesdales managed to get into attacking territory regularly when they completed their sets and were strong defensively.

The biggest difference in offensive ability between the two sides was most evident with 15 minutes left to play when the Clydesdales had a chance to pick up a late try with a full set of six just 10m out.

However, a knock-on brought their attack to an early end.

The Devils set which followed the knock on saw the hosts go the length of the field and score a try thanks to an inch-perfect kick which allowed Manase Kaho to cross over.

If the Clydesdales can find that touch of class in attack to finish off their opportunities, then they will be far more competitive as the season goes on.

Errors in crucial areas hurt

The Clydesdales put themselves on the back foot throughout the contest with errors either when they were in a strong position offensively and in with a chance of clawing back at the deficit, or near their own line when the pressure was on.

A prime example of this was the Devils’ first try of the game, where they scored off the back of a knock on from the Clydesdales in their own in-goal area.

No reprieve for Clydesdales

The Western Clydesdales face little reprieve in their next match as they take on the in-form Redcliffe Dolphins at home next Saturday.

Having conceded 138 points in their last three games, the Clydesdales will need to be locked in when they take on a side which has scored an average of 36.33 points per game over the last three weeks.