Didsbury astonish Ashton

Didsbury entertained Ashton in a thrilling encounter at Ford Lane. Didsbury started well with fierce determination & high intensity. Forward pressure created forced errors from the Ashton defence which enabled full back Dylan Williams to open the scoring with a penalty. The home forwards continued to dominate against a big Ashton pack, a scrum won against the head enabled quick attacking ball being shipped to winger Dave Hoare who went over in the corner. Ashton briefly came back into the game with a penalty, however following the restart slick handling allowed Hoare to score another try in the corner. Handling at the ruck resulted in a penalty giving Ashton the opportunity to reduce the lead further. Just before half time scrumhalf Andrew Popoola put in a thunderous tackle which created a turnover of possession. The following a series of inter play resulted in Popoola finishing the move by scoring under the posts. Williams duly converted to give Didsbury the 20-6 lead at the break.

The second half stared with a quick score for Didsbury when strong running from forwards enabled fast ball to winger Paul Riley who crashed over in the corner. The pressure was taking its toll on the Ashton pack when indiscretions provided Williams with another penalty. Good support running allowed Popoola to bag his second score following a magnificent break by centre Chris Harley. Harley was involved in the next score as his tackle dislodged the ball allowing Hoare to collect and coast in to complete his hatrick of scores.

Next Saturday Didsbury’s 1st XV are Home in the League to Trafford MV.

Last Saturday’s Team: Williams, Riley, Harley, Chivers, Hoare, Wilkinson, Popoola, McDonough, Williams, Walker, Lovely (Walker), Cooper, Dallies, Tyler, Vasseur (Price).