"Tough Guy" Brace gives Didsbury the spoils

A five try second half blitz maintained Didsbury’s excellent form, beating visitors Birchfield 43-9 last Saturday.

Didsbury had to reshuffle their backline, with absentees Popoola, Hoare and Harley replaced by Bishop, Bailey and Riley. All three have been performing well for the second team and joined the squad full of confidence.

The match was played in ideal conditions, apart from the strong wind blowing across the pitch. Didsbury were the first team to attack, and just when it looked like Davies had been put into space to break clear the referee inexplicably judged it a forward pass. These curious refereeing decisions continued to blight Didsbury’s attacks, and Birchfield used the wind well to kick the ball deep into the home side’s territory. The first try came from tough guy centre Dylan Williams. Didsbury’s pack drove the ball close to the tryline from a lineout, Mike Hyde just being stopped before touching down. The ball was quickly recycled and Williams was able to stride in for a try. The conversion added by Davies. Birchfield, who beat Didsbury in the reverse fixture back in November, struck back with a penalty. Didsbury tried to stretch the visitors defence out wide, and a great break by number 8 James Eames down the flank set up Williams for his second try of the match. Again the conversion was added by Davies. Birchfield’s attacks were thwarted by the solid Didsbury defence and they settled for a penalty to close the gap at half time to 14-6.

Didsbury upped the tempo of their game in the second half and gaps started to appear in the Birchfield defensive line. Pete Davies ducked through a couple of tackles to speed clear to score Didsbury’s third under the posts. Bishop capped a fine display by adding the forth try with a clever interception and broke a number of tackles. Shaun Walker continued his recent try scoring exploits by adding the fifth try of the match. Two more tries were added by fly half Euan Wilder and winger Ian Bailey. Birchfield could only respond to Didsbury’s 29 second half points with a solitary penalty, making the fulltime score 43-9.

Another fine performance by Didsbury and a demonstration of the strength in depth at the club with good performances all round. Next Saturday Didsbury, still third in the league, visit forth placed Littleborough.