St Benedicts, sitting one league place above Toc H before kick off, were the first on the scoreboard with a penalty kick 0-3. Didsbury had the better of the set-pieces with the tight five (Chambers, Hyde, Ames, Lovely & Walker) all performing well. But any possession lead to nothing for the home side, as nervy attacks and impatient ball-control was easily dealt with by the visitors robust defence. St Benedicts were awarded an opening try in the right corner, despite the scorer appearing to take several steps whilst in touch. But referee’s decision was final and Didsbury were now faced with an eight point deficit to make up. A good Didsbury attack was thwarted by a knock on, but from the resulting scrum Didsbury took the ball against the head, and after several phases Mike Hyde was able to crash over for a try. The conversion was sent wide by Bishop, but he atoned by converting a penalty to level the scores 8-8. This is how it remained until the halftime whistle.

St Benedicts flew out of the blocks after the break, and were rewarded with a converted try after some lack lustre Didsbury tackling 8-15. Didsbury’s half-back pairing of Gaz Oakley and Joe Bradbury were kicking well from hand, forcing Benedicts onto the back foot. Didsbury were awarded a free kick deep in the Cumbrian’s half, and quick thinking by Oakley saw him tap the ball and find Hyde who forced his way over for his second of the match. Bishop converted well and again the scores were level 15-all. Good attacking runs by Mullins, Makin, Harrison and Foster came to nothing as St Bendicts defence held firm. St Benedicts looked to clear their lines from deep inside their 22, but Aidan Murphy charged the kick down, and somehow Mike Hyde won the race to the ball and touched down to complete an unlikely hatrick. The conversion was missed and Didsbury led, for the first time, 20-15. With the game entering the last ten minutes, the visiting team had a sustained period of pressure, and the referee awarded them a penalty. The penalty was taken quickly and despite the attacking player appearing to have been held up, the referee awarded the try. The resulting conversion dropped just short, and the scores were once again level 20-20. With little time left Didsbury showed their spirit and were awarded a penalty just outside the visitor’s 22. With the referee indicating that time was up, all the pressure fell on the shoulders of Sean Bishop. But as with so many times this season Bishop dissected the posts to win the game for Toc H 23-20.

The victory meant Didsbury leapfrogged St Benedicts in the league, to eighth place. Didsbury’s coaches will take a lot of positives from the match: the team spirit shown to grab a victory at the end, the try scoring form of Mike Hyde, and the scrummaging performance. But still aspects for the Ford Lane team to work on., Next Saturday Didsbury visit De La Salle.