Didsbury 19 – 10 Trafford MV

On Sunday Didsbury welcomed, fellow North Lancs 1 side, Trafford MV to Ford Lane. Another day, another cup game, this time it was the quarter final of the Lancashire Plate. Trafford, having the luxury of not playing on the Saturday, would have fancied their chances of beating Didsbury. The solid defences of both teams were tested in the early exchanges and they held firm until 15 minutes into the game. Some fantastic handling in Didsbury’s backline, Popoola and Davies, set Dave Hoare free on the wing. Hoare managed to force his way over in the corner, but unfortunately had to leave the field with an injury picked up in the act of scoring. Davies converted the try brilliantly. Trafford managed to convert a penalty to make the score a tight 7-3 at half time. Some of Didsbury’s squad had now played 120 minutes of rugby, but the determination never diminished and Toc H started to play the brand of rugby that the home crowd expects at Ford Lane. Some fine handling saw the ball find winger Tom Rooney who scored in the corner. The conversion was just wide, but Didsbury were a vital two scores clear. Didsbury’s pack began to up the ante, with fine attacking runs by James Eames and the tight five starting to impose themselves at scrumtime. From a hook against the head, by Dave Foster, Sean Bishop broke through the gain line and raced in for a try. Davies converted and Didsbury had secured the win at 19-3. Trafford came back and scored near the end of the game, but Didsbury progressed through to the semi-final, 19-10.

Two fine cup results for Didsbury, who return to league action next Saturday with a visit to De La Salle.