De La Salle 5 - 13 Didsbury Toc H

Toc H named a strong line up, with Mark Chambers coming in at prop and Gui Dallies starting at number 8 in the pack. Didsbury started much the better side and dominated the early exchanges. Joe Bradbury at fullback has had a fine start to the season for Didsbury and as he made a break through the home sides midfield he found winger Perkins Joseph in support who used his blistering pace to finish from 50 metres. Bradbury added the conversion to give Toc H a deserved 0-7 lead. Notable contributions from Dallies and the tight five kept Didsbury in good field position and scrumhalf Gaz Oakley cooly slotted a penalty to give Didsbury a 0-10 half time lead.

Didsbury should of added to their lead early in the second half, with numerous chances going begging. These missed opportunities were capitalized on by the dogged De La Salle who scored a try out wide, the conversion went wide but De La Salle were now in touch at 5-10. Oakley again stepped up to slot another penalty to take Didsbury more than a score clear and make the final score 5-13. Didsbury gain the 4 points for a win, under the new league scoring system, and De La Salle miss out on the losing bonus point as they were more than 7 points behind.

Didsbury’s coaching staff will be pleased with the opening day win in a higher league, but will be looking for their team to be more clinical in the coming weeks. Gui Dallies was named man of the match, but the whole squad performed well. Next Saturday Didsbury welcome St Benedicts to Ford Lane, 3pm kick off.