Local talent on show in Clydesdales trial matches

The Western Clydesdales and Sunshine Coast Falcons met in an exciting day of rugby league at Clive Berghofer Stadium on Saturday. Check out the details from the trial matches featuring all six grades here.

Toowoomba rugby league fans had their first chance to check out the new Western Clydesdales sides as they took on the Sunshine Coast Falcons at Clive Berghofer Stadium on Saturday.

It was a day of firsts as the Harvey Norman under-17s played their first game in Toowoomba, while the Clydesdales’ inaugural BMD Premiership team took to the field for the first time.

Ultimately, the Falcons were a class above throughout the day, winning four of the six clashes, with the Clydesdales picking up one win as the Harvey Norman under-19s claimed a big 24-0 victory.

The match of the day was between the Cyril Connell Cup sides sharing the spoils after a thrilling 20-20 draw.

Saturday was also the last chance for the Clydesdales junior rep sides to take to the field before their season starts on February 17 when they make the trip to Bundaberg to take on the Wide Bay Bulls.

Keely Roche on the way to try for Western Clydesdales against Sunshine Coast Falcons in the Harvey Norman under-19s. Picture: Kevin Farmer

In the two feature games, the Falcons defeated the Hostplus Cup and BMD Premiership sides 32-12 in both games.

For inaugural Clydesdales BMD Premiership coach Mitch Sargent, the game was all about giving some of the local talent a chance to be a part of history and play in front of their home town supporters.

“A majority of the team was our local girls which was important for our first ever hit out, it was great for them,” he said.

“Katelyn Collie and Rosie Parsons played extremely well in hot conditions but all the girls had a go and put something forward to make that round 1 team.

“That’s what trials are for, it’s not about the result, its about giving them an opportunity and there were some great things there from a coaching perspective.”

The BMD Clydesdales have two more hit-outs before the season starts next month when they take on the Brisbane Tigers at Brothers Toowoomba on February 17 and the Wynnum Manly Seagulls on February 24 at Clive Berghofer Stadium.

Oskar Byrne for Western Clydesdales against Sunshine Coast Falcons in Mel Meninga Cup trial match. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Sargent said the team depth with the local players will be crucial for the entire season when injuries and suspensions take their toll and is focused on ensuring they will be ready to play at the next level with a focus on execution and ruck control.

“The main focus is execution and ruck control and learning to play at that next level,” he said.

“A lot of our local players have never experienced playing at that level and the only thing that changes is the speed.”