Halbro Trophy defeat for the mighty 2nd XV

There are days within a season when you lose due to a lucky try, poor defensive co-ordination or a lack of passion - December 13ths loss to Fylde had nothing to do with any of these factors. A brave display from the Toc H boys whose commitment didn't fade despite being faced with a marauding Fylde pack and a cohesive opposing backline.

Didsbury arrived having recently been enjoying a purple patch winning 6 of their 7 previous games and with a significantly stronger side than that which faced Fylde in the league a few weeks earlier. Hopes were high of causing a cup upset and progressing to the quarter finals. However, from the kick off Fylde attacked through their sizeable pack and TOC H struggled to assert themselves on the game. Whilst pressure continued to build Toc H maintained a strong defensive line with a midfield trio of Willder, Bishop and Southall repelling all comers. With 20 minutes gone a poor pass from returning captain Puddy gave open field possession to the Fylde backline which they duly converted into points. Further tries ensued as the Toc H pack struggled to cope with the forward runners and in particular a dominant 3rd team (?!?) prop whose continued peels off the back of lineouts gave the resident Northern Irish terrier John Donnelly a difficult afternoon!

Despite turning round 25-0 down, the halftime talk for the Ford Lane team centred on the positive aspects of their defensive display and a desire to win the second half. This they set out to do. With Moran, Wallis and Bradbury starting to look dangerous and the pack finally generating a platform (however small) Toc H finally generated some possession and territory. From a 5m defensive scrum on the Fylde line Puddy successfully charged down the number 10s attempted clearance and fell on the ball in goal for Toc's only try of the afternoon. Didsbury mounted further attacks through sniping breaks all over the park and were unfortunate not to be awarded another try to Chambers, who reports that he did ground the ball despite the referees denial of such facts!

Fylde came back at Didsbury towards the end of the game to score another couple of tries but despite the one sided scoreline Toc H can be proud of their effort from 1-17. Thanks to Fylde who were gracious in victory and who didn't load their team despite their 1sts and 2nds being without a game - great hot pot too so thanks also to the ladies in the kitchen.

I guess we can concentrate on the league now.........

Stuart Puddy