After a month of no rugby and few sustained serious tests, the Ladies of Didsbury Toc H made the journey down to Nantwich to face Crewe & Nantwich Ladies in the hotly anticipated end of season clash to seal the League.
Crewe started the match with aggression and an intensity that Didsbury matched with a ferocious defence which Crewe only managed to breach once, despite other close calls. Credit where credit is due, Crewe’s tactics starved Didsbury of sustained periods of possession, meaning that their famed razor-sharp attack struggled to get them into the game. Didsbury were patient and knew that as the game wore on they would get their chances and they kept working to that end. After a couple of unfortunate injuries and with mere minutes left in the first half, Didsbury got on the score sheet with a full seven points, taking a slim lead into the break.
Buoyed by their legendary half-time refreshments Didsbury came out for the second on half and slowly began to grind through the gears, playing a more comfortable brand of rugby based on the outstanding work rate of their forwards backed up by powerful and direct running from the backs. Four more scores and a conversion made the score line look much more comfortable than the match looked, but accurately reflected the overall balance of the game. Crewe are a quality side and have enjoyed a largely successful season in their own right, reaching the Final of the Women’s Intermediate Plate and we wish them the best of luck against Cullompton Ladies.
Zoe Childs-Ford was Forward of the Match.
Siân McGuinness was Back of the Match.
Laura Riches was Crewe’s nominated Woman of the Match for us.
The last word has to go to the travelling support from Didsbury! It was amazing to have so many people come to watch and celebrate with. It was an outstanding display of Club spirit and we would like to pass on our heartfelt and sincere thanks to everyone who travelled and passed on messages of support and congratulations.
Didsbury now go onto face Harrogate Ladies in the Northern Play-off, to be held at Barnsley RUFC on April 22nd at 2:45pm.
Report written by Luke Collins