U 13 - Didsbury Toc H / Broughton Park vs Aldwynians & Bury

After a few weeks break Toc resumed in a 3 team mini tournament against Aldwynians and Bury. The first match between the visitors was a game of strength with the physically imposing sides arm wrestling to gain control. Aldwynians came out victorious on the heavy pitch through forward strength and clinical finishing in the corner.

First game was against Aldwynians. With a clear size difference the game plan was to play a wide and expansive game. From the kick off Toc put pressure on Aldwynians. A fired up start with good tackling led to a penalty and after good forward pressure a try in the right. 1-0 to Toc. Ferocious tackling followed with the forwards fronting up and resisting the size of the intimidating Aldwynians pack. 3 tries followed with Max F in the right corner after some lovely passing, Sam after a sublime pick up and the third after a sweet pass from Luca. After possibly the best half of rugby this season, 4-0 at half time.

With Aldwynians kicking off from the start , Toc were under pressure and conceded from a forward rumble. 4-1. Another quick try 4-2 with pressure starting to tell. Toc managed to break the gain line and move up the pitch. With a lovely dummy from Ethan he ran under the posts , 5-2. The full time whistle blew soon afterwards. A great performance from the team and a well deserved 5-2 victory.

Buoyed by their victory, Toc took to the pitch against Bury. From the kick off Toc applied pressure and played in the Bury half. The intensity continued and after 5 minutes 1-0 to Toc. A stalemate followed with the ball staying with the forwards. When Toc did have the ball they couldn't quite make the killer pass to take advantage of their slight possessional advantage. Tired......lack of bananas......??!! After what seemed like a long half the whistle went and 2-0 to Toc.

After a fruitless half time, the boys took to the pitch to close out the game. Bury seemed fired up... (bananas?) and took the fight to Toc. Staunch and resolute defending followed with Toc keeping Bury at bay. With the game resembling a 1980's 5 Nations game on a quagmire of a pitch the teams cancelled each other out until a wayward kick from Bury and a catch by Max F led to him scoring his second of the day in the corner. 3-0 and the final whistle. A clean sheet.

A great team performance, strong tackling, sharp passing and good running. A really good morning from all the boys. Well done.