Ashton u Lyne 7 – 39 Didsbury Toc H

Didsbury were missing a number of players, particularly in the pack, but the depth of Toc H’s squad this season has proven itself on numerous occasions.

The game was played in fine weather conditions apart from the strong wind facing Didsbury in the first half. The home side were quick out of the blocks and had Didsbury under pressure from the start. Ashton’s heavy pack was causing the visitors problems, and the pressure was converted into a try by the posts. The conversion was added and the home side led 7-0, and the home supporters could sense an upset. Pete Davies hit back with a penalty to close the gap. Didsbury’s halfbacks, Oakley and Wilkinson, began to control the game and started to spread the game wide to wingers Bishop and Hoare. This tactic paid dividends with Hoare beating his opposite number to score in the corner and give the visitors the lead. Left winger Bishop made a number of telling breaks down the flank, from one such break he linked up with Davies who put through an intelligent kick for Andy Popoola to score under the posts. The conversion was added to give Didsbury a 7-15 lead at half time.

Turning round Didsbury now had the advantage of the wind and soon added a third try. From a ruck inside Ashton’s half Oakley passed the ball to blindside winger Bishop, who fed inside to Hyde. Just as it seemed Hyde’s progress would be halted he produced a great pass back to Bishop to score. Davies adding the conversion. Didsbury’s backs now had complete dominance over their opposite numbers, with further tries scored by Southall, Davies and another for Hoare. The final score of 7-39 was possibly a bit harsh on the effort put in by Ashton, but Didsbury deservedly secured their ninth straight win.

All attention was now switched to the scores filtering through from the other games, but both teams (Eccles & Furness) had won their respective matches and with it promotion. Didsbury will rue some of their away performances earlier in the season, but there are a lot of positives to take from the season and build on for next year. Toc H managed to turn Ford Lane into a fortress and were unbeaten there all season, if they can raise some of there away performances they should be well in the mix for promotion next season. A great first season for captain Mike Hyde and good to see him return to fitness after a nasty leg break.