Broughton Park 3s 7- 25 Didsbury Toc H 3s

In conditions polar opposite to last weeks’ game against Winnies – Toc travelled the 10 minutes to Broughton Park, hopeful to be victorious over another local rival.

‘Captained’ this week by Andy Reynolds after James Brookes lost an argument with an e-cig battery, Toc took to the field to warm up in a mixture of torrential rain and sunny spells, with no one under any illusions as to the quality of the opposition. It was also noted that large numbers of un-available for this week had led to the teams being re-jigged somewhat, and regular 3’s should note that the 4’s who replaced them will give selectors a headache this Thursday.

From the off, Toc looked comfortable in attack, but slowed by conditions and grass in need of a cut, the very narrow pitch limiting the options of the back line who were unable to cut loose as often as they would want. George Williams and Ritchie Bray on the wings had ball but no space a number of times, but Paul Petrie and Ollie Lamont were happy to take the hard yards- directed to the first try by the able hands of Zeke at 9.

Toc further asserted themselves at the scrum, which was dominant at the tight, despite Joe Arthur tweaking his knee and coming off within 15 minutes. Dale Beardsall proved to be a thorn in the side of Park’s defence, taking ball and contact from fly half Russ Oakley like an extra centre. Park were put further on the run by a three phase rolling maul, with Aidan Murphy crashing over in a manner that will surely secure a 2nd team spot next week.

Two more tries followed in the first half, meaning Toc led 20-0 at the whistle.

The second half showed how important fitness is in the league, and Broughton Park should be complimented on their attitude, storming back into the game and forcing Toc to wake up and defend for their lives. John Gribble and Martin Oldfield were Trojans in the midfield, and Aidan Murphy’s pace out of the defensive line almost decapitated a weaving Park replacement.

Toc managed to get a breakaway try in the corner, but the second half was increasingly defensive.

Ultimately, the pressure led to Broughton Park points, when an attacking move from underneath Toc’s own posts was knocked directly into the path of a Broughton attacker, who dived on the ball to score.

The match ended 25-7, with much to work on, but Toc will be happy to come away with the points and another win against tough opponents, to take into the next game versus bottom of the table Warrington