Brought back to reality
Clydesdales’ defence found wanting in heavy loss to Seagulls
Eager to build on their win against the Jets in round 7, the Western Clydesdales were dealt a reality check by the high-flying Tweed Seagulls.
The Clydesdales were on the back foot almost immediately when Seagulls fullback Lindon McGrady scored in the opening minute of the match.
Rocked by the early try, the Clydesdales quickly found themselves 24-0 down inside the first 20 minutes.
They replied through Melino Fineanganofo in the 21st minute but the damage was done and the Seagulls went on to win 50-18.
The telling statistic for the Clydesdales was 47 missed tackles. They just could not withstand the pressure applied by the Seagulls.
Compounding their defensive woes, they made 415 less total metres, meaning they were hemmed in to their own half for longer.
Fortunately, the side’s cannonball centres Fineanganofo and Bessie Toomaga added some respectability to the score.
Fineanganofo crossed the line to score twice and Toomaga slotted his three kicks to continue his good form with the boot.
The Clydesdales play the Northern Pride at home on Saturday at 5pm.
COLTS
The Western Clydesdales under-21 Colts were unable to carry their winning form across the border last weekend.
Up against a strong Tweed Seagulls outfit, the Clydesdales conceded 11 tries in a 56-14 loss.
The Clydesdales allowed seven tries in the first half and went into the halftime break down 36-10.
Beaten soundly in every major metric, on both sides of the ball, the Clydesdales fought back in the second half but it ultimately wasn’t enough.
Tweed made the most of its opportunities to run in a try almost every seven minutes.
Before their clash against the Northern Pride in round 4, the Clydesdales will have to tighten up their defence.
Otherwise, they will have another significant score put on them.