Blackburn 24 – Didsbury Toc H 10

With a number of squad members unavailable for selection, Didsbury gave first team debuts to four players. Hooker Mark Basrall and flanker Andy Swan started the game, with second rower Sean Walker and prop Nathan Braemar coming of the bench.

Didsbury’s unfamiliar line up took the early part of the game to settle, and determined defence resisted Blackburn’s early attacks. The opening twenty minutes remained scoreless, with territory and possession fairly level between the two sides. The first score of the match was by Blackburn, a Didsbury attacking move broke down deep in Blackburn’s territory and the home side were able to gather the ball and race downfield to score. The conversion was added to give Blackburn a 7-0 lead. Didsbury soon closed the gap with a well-taken penalty by Pete Davies. Blackburn were struggling to contain the strong running of centres Williams and Southall, and the elusive running of fullback Tristan Batt. Didsbury’s effort was soon rewarded as they managed to turn the ball over in Blackburn’s half, and after a number of drives the ball was spread wide to speedster Davies. He neatly broke through a couple of tackles to touchdown for his first try of the season, adding the conversion himself. This gave Didsbury a deserved 7-10 lead approaching halftime, but last years beaten finalists managed to draw level with a penalty just before the break.

The second half was a tight affair, with both teams taking it in turns to exert pressure on their opposition’s line. Didsbury’s forwards were making good ground, with hard running by Cooper, McDonough, Vasseur and Swan. But it was Blackburn who scored the points in the second half, two converted tries made the score line a fairly flattering 24-10 to the home side.

Despite starting the campaign with a defeat Didsbury will use the game to build for the rest of the season. Blackburn are a well organised outfit, who are playing this season two leagues higher than Didsbury so a lot of credit has to be given to the all players performance. Next Saturday Didsbury visit Wallasey in the RFU national trophy.

Last Saturday’s Team: Batt, Riley, Southall (Wilkinson), D.Williams, Davies, Quigley, Popoola, McDonough (Braemar), Basrall, J.Walker, Cooper (S.Walker), Reeves, Gareth Price (Dallies), Swan, Vasseur