Didsbury Toc H 19 – 14 Eccles

Toc H, third in the league, welcomed second placed Eccles to Ford Lane, knowing a win would keep their slim hopes of promotion alive. Didsbury’s biggest improvement since the turn of the year is the way they have been starting games, and this was again evident on Saturday. Several early attacks were repelled by the Eccles defence before Andy Popoola forced his way over for a try next to the posts. Pete Davies added the conversion to give the home side a 7-0 lead. Eccles, who could have secured promotion with a win, soon got into their stride and their efficient lineout managed to disrupt Didsbury’s possession. Eccles were able to get on the score sheet with two penalties and before halftime some out of the ordinary lack lustre tackling allowed the visitors to score an unconverted try. The half time score of 7-11 was probably a fair reflection of the first half, Toc H having dropped the tempo of the first ten minutes.

The second half began with Eccles further extending their lead with a third penalty. Didsbury’s season and perfect home record was hanging in the balance, and the home side responded. James Southall, who came on as a half time substitute, scored in the corner. Southall, usually a hard hitting centre, was playing in an unfamiliar wing position, but once he had the ball in hand he barged his way past several defenders and touched down at full stretch. The conversion went just wide giving Eccles a slim two point lead. Both sides defence began to cancel each other out, and the final whistle was getting close. Didsbury formed a maul in the Eccles 22 and somehow Chris Harley was able to appear through a gap to gather the ball and stride in for a try. Davies added the conversion to give Didsbury the lead for the first time in the second half, 19-14. Eccles threw everything at Didsbury for the remaining eight minutes, but some last gasp tackling kept the Toc H line intact and a hard fought victory.

Along with Eccles slipping up, top of the table Furness also suffered defeat at the hands of Littleborough. So it all comes down to the last game of the season, which will be played on Saturday 17th April. Furness, on 34 points, play Bolton, Eccles, on 33 points, face Old Bedians and Toc H, on 32 points, visit Ashton-u-Lyne. So Didsbury will be hoping local team Old Bedians or Bolton can do them a favour.