Round 3 Sunday wrap: Clydesdales triumph in battle of the newcomers

The Western Clydesdales have moved into second place on the BMD Premiership ladder, after they claimed a crucial XXXX Rivalry Round victory over fellow newcomers, the Sunshine Coast Falcons.

The two teams were introduced to the BMD Premiership this season and went head-to-head for the first time on Sunday at Toowoomba Sports Ground.

And it was the home team who walked away victorious, with the Clydesdales scoring six tries to one to shake up the competition ladder.

Coach Mitch Sargent said after the match that the most rewarding part of the 28-4 win was the fact his team had learned a few lessons from their tough Round 2 loss to the Burleigh Bears.

He said it was clear against the Falcons that they knew how to develop each week.

"The most pleasing thing was just the resolve in the team and the heart the team showed to comeback from a tough loss against Burleigh the week before," Sargent said.

"They learnt from that game and put some things into practice. It shows the team we have responds.

"It was most evident with our completion rate and ball control. Previously our best completion rate was 67 per cent.

"To complete today in the (wet) conditions – 87 per cent with 12 missed tackles – it’s a fantastic turnaround from week to week."

With a number of players missing to take part in the Women's National Championships, Sargent was full of praise for the likes of Katelyn Collie, Sarah Hoger, Keeley Davis and young teenage debutant, Chloe Pallisier.

The BMD Premiership will now have a week off for the Easter long weekend and Sargent said when they return for Round 4, he wants to see the Clydesdales continue to develop as they push for finals in their first season.

"We want to keep that same defensive mindset and take it onto the next game," he said.

"It’s what helps you win games – showing up and turning up for your mate. In attack, it’s just our execution.

"We could still be a lot better with execution, which is a good thing."

Elsewhere on Sunday, the Brisbane Tigers recorded their first win of the BMD Premiership season, with a narrow 8-6 victory over the Wynnum Manly Seagulls.

The game was tied up at 6-all from the 37th minute before a successful penalty goal from Akira Kelly handed the Tigers the upset victory.

For a recap of the Saturday matches, click here.

Catch all the replays from Round 3 by subscribing to Qplus.tv.