Toc H Secures Victory Against New Brighton

Toc H 1st XV travelled to the Wirral on Saturday to face New Brighton, anticipating a challenging fixture.
Despite facing significant selection pressures, notably four key absences from the forward pack and several changes across the back line, Toc H demonstrated impressive resilience and cohesion.

In a Tightly Contested Battle New Brighton opened the scoring and initially dictated the pace. However, the match quickly developed into an entertaining, end-to-end contest. After the opening twenty minutes, the scoreboard stood level at 10-10, with the in-form Zak Morton registering Toc H’s first try.
A brief lapse in concentration allowed the hosts to capitalise, establishing a 20-10 lead midway through the half. Crucially, the Toc H side remained composed, regrouping effectively in the final ten minutes before the break. This period saw them execute two decisive scores
Alex Mayo crossed the line following a well-executed strike move initiated from the scrum. Then winger Louis Rose Fall demonstrated great anticipation to touch down a clever long kick downfield.

Toc H 22 - 20 New Brighton at the break.

The opening ten minutes of the second half proved pivotal, as Toc H asserted their dominance and began to pull away. Two superb team tries extended the lead significantly
Winger Kevin Hodgson dotted down Toc H’s fourth try. Before
Centre Cam Arnott then added the fifth, bringing the score to 34-20.
New Brighton showed commendable tenacity, enjoying lengthy periods of possession within the Toc H half and applying sustained pressure that could well have yielded more points. However, the Toc H defense stood firm, ultimately repelling the threat.
The victory was sealed in the closing stages when back-rower Jo Aduli showed individual brilliance, retrieving his own tactical kick-through to score the final try of the game. The match concluded with a convincing scoreline: Toc H 39 - 20 New Brighton.

This victory was founded on a classy and controlled second-half performance in what is traditionally a difficult venue. The team’s ability to adapt to changes in personnel and maintain composure under pressure was instrumental in securing the result.
A special mention and thanks must be extended to New Brighton for their exceptional hospitality shown to all Toc H players and spectators.

Toc H now looks ahead to next week’s fixture against Tarleton.