Didsbury Toc H 16 - 12 Heaton Moor

Didsbury's squad was without flanker Aidan Murphy, and the luxury of naming talented wing duo of Richie Bray and Peter Davies enabled Didsbury to rest this seasons top try scorer Dave Hoare.

Didsbury flew out of the blocks and won an early penalty which was kicked deep into Heaton Moor's 22. The resulting lineout was secured and the Didsbury pack rampaged their way over the tryline, with jubilant captain Mike Hyde coming up with the ball to claim the try. Sean Bishop converted well, and the Ford Lane side had a very early 7-0 lead. But any thoughts that the game was going to be a walk over were soon thwarted as Heaton Moor ventured into Didsbury territory and after several phases space was found to cross the line for a try. The attempted conversion was scuffed, and Didsbury stayed in the lead 7-5. Didsbury were totally dominant in the scrum, the Heaton Moor pack were going backwards that quickly that there was a fear of them reversing up Didsbury Road back to their own clubhouse! This disruption to Heaton Moor's possession didn't totally nullify their attack, and Didsbury had to defend well from a number of attacks from lineout moves. Sean Bishop's quality place kicking has been a potent threat this season for Toc H and he added two penalties in the first half to add to his tally, increasing the lead to 13-5. With the game nearing half-time, a fine break by Richie Bray and Olly Thomas looked to half sent Bishop over for a try, only for the referee to have judged the final pass to be forward. Much to the annoyance of Gaz Oakley.

Second half was a tight affair, but Didsbury managed to increase their lead with another Bishop penalty, 16-5. Heaton Moor pushed hard for a score, but good kicking from hand by Thomas, Oakley and Peter Davies kept them away from the danger area. With the game entering the last 20 minutes Heaton Moor brought on substitute, and former Didsbury 2nd team player, Perkins Joseph. Perkins first task was to see Davies skip past him and come close to scoring. Moor's well organised lineout was a good supply of ball, and after bombarded the Didsbury tryline for several phases the ball was fed to the centres where a gap was found to score under the posts. the simple extras were added 16-12 and Heaton Moor were now within touching distance of, what at one point seemed an unlikely, victory. Didsbury's defence held firm to see out the match.

A good performance from Toc H, the competition for places in the backrow is fierce, with fine performances from Foster, Swan and Harrison (and Chris Matthews off the bench), second rows Shaun Walker and Craig Lawless made themselves nuisances in loose and anchored a fine scrum. But the squad will be working hard to ensure they capitalise on the opportunities presented to them in the upcoming matches. Didsbury have the luxury of a free Saturday next week, but face high-flying Aldwinians in two weeks time.

For John Fryer's photos of the Heaton Moor game please click here