Pressure pays off against Bury!

Didsbury entertained mid table Bury this week in the league. Didsbury started the first half well, with constant pressure being applied by the forwards early on. Following two early disruptive scrums, didsbury elected for a 10m scrum on a penalty expecting to convert the pressure into an early score – unfortunately this did not happen. The pressure continued for the remainder of the first half with some surging runs from both didsbury centres enabling quick ball & space to the wingers although these oportunities were not converted due to unforced errors. The first points on the board were Bury’s due to a long range penalty slotted by their young flyhalf. Although the majority of the pressure in the fist half came from Didsbury’s attacking options it was a rare mistake in defence that allowed Bury to cross the try line first which enabled them to increase their lead.
Just on the stroke of half time following some slick backs handlinga planned move enabled Pete Davies a gap to go over in the corner. Keith Quigley converted. Therefore suprisingly even to their own supporters Bury led 7-10 at Half time.
Following a stern talking from Coach Popoola & injured Captain Mike Hyde Didsbury started the second half with some fire. Within minutes didsbury were awarded a 5m scrum after being held up over the line following a penetrating run from openside Aidan Murphy. The resulting scrum led by captain on the day Steve McDonough marched the much heavier opposition pack back over their tryline to allow No8 Chris Matthews the easiest of touchdows.
Didsbury’s indiscretions in their own half allowed the Bury goal kicking flyhalf several opportiunities to slot the points gaining them the lead once again. Pete Davies responded by slotting a didsbury penalty to reduce the lead. At times Didsbury were their own worst enemy when attacking – following sturn words from the coaching staff on the sidelines didsbury started to play much better & avoided rushing moves. This patience allowed winger Dave Hoare to crash over in the corner which was dueley converted by Quigley to regain the lead. The remainder of the game was all in Didsbury’s favor with strong running forward and displays of impressive skills from the backs most notably Iain Bailey at full back. Late on No 8 Matthews picked up from the base of the 15 attacking scrum and aided with the space created by the new ELV’s crossed under the posts un touched. The final score was dissapointing to didsbury as they should have attained a much bigger margin that 27-19.
Next Saturday Didsbury’s 1st XV are Away in the EDF Cup against Widnes.
Last Saturday’s Team: Bailey, Hoare, Williams (Chivers), Wilkinson, Davies, Quigley, Moran, McDonough, Williams, Walker, Reeves,Cooper,Dalies, Murphy, Matthews