Western Clydesdales defeat Redcliffe Dolphins to end Hostplus Cup drought

DROUGHT BROKEN: The Western Clydesdales ended a 273-day wait for a Hostplus Cup win on Saturday with a thrilling late comeback to defeat the Redcliffe Dolphins. See how they did it here.

Corey Fenning scores a try for the Western Clydesdales. Picture: Benny Hassum Photography

For the first time in 273 days, the Western Clydesdales have claimed victory in the Hostplus Cup.

In a dramatic high-scoring clash at Clive Berghofer Stadium on Saturday, the Clydesdales came from behind to seal a thrilling 32-30 win over rivals Redcliffe Dolphins.

Check out the biggest talking points from the contest here.

Dream debut

Young Darling Downs star Kaden Buhse made his Hostplus Cup debut for the Clydesdales and wasted no time in announcing himself to the competition.

The athletic winger crossed over for the opening try of the contest less than five minutes into the game.

Kaden Buhse on his Hostplus Cup debut for the Western Clydesdale. Picture: Benny Hassum Photography

Buhse almost had a second later in the half but knocked the ball on just metres away from the tryline.

Dolphins respond to early setbacks

The hosts hit the ground running and held a 10-0 lead inside 15 minutes.

However, the Dolphins hit back with three tries in 10 minutes - including two in back-to-back sets - to take an 18-10 lead after 30 minutes.

The trend continued in the second half as they regularly would hit back straight after the Clydesdales would get within touching distance.

Blake Lenehan (left) and Esom Ioka combine for a tackle. Picture: Benny Hassum Photography

Late comeback

With just over 10 minutes to play, the Clydesdales had plenty of work to do as they trailed by eight points and Redcliffe seemingly had a response to anything the hosts threw at them.

However, a magical try from a heroic offload and freakish pass gave Jason Alchin’s men a glimmer of hope.

With the game heading down to the wire and the Dolphins in front by only four points, the Clydesdales ran close to the length of the field off an intercept to score a try to tie the game with a kick to come with a few minutes left to play.

Kicker Corey Fenning then had the moment every child dreams of as he had the chance to almost certainly seal the win with a conversion.

The outside back held his nerve and slotted the conversion home to spark wild scenes at Clive Berghofer Stadium.