Didsbury Toc H 24 – 31 Fleetwood

The visitors form had dipped slightly of late, and they were looking for a good win to return to the top of the league. But Didsbury were coming into the match on the back of 2 league victories, and are safe in mid-table.

Didsbury couldn’t have started better, their first visit to Fleetwood’s 22 was rewarded with a penalty, which Sean Bishop stroked over effortlessly (3-0). Fleetwood had a chance to draw level but their kicker could replicate Bishop’s feat. Toc H returned to Fleetwood’s territory and good lineout ball, won by Shaun Walker, was spread to the backs. A clever pass by Joe Bradbury found winger Dave Hoare, who hit the line at pace and scored under the sticks. Bishop added the extras giving Didsbury a 10-0 lead. Fleetwood’s shock at being down so early was soon confounded further, the visitors passed the ball wide only for Hoare to intercept and speed his way to the tryline from halfway. Again Bishop converted and Toc H extended the lead to 17-0, and with only 20 minutes gone. Fleetwood are a well drilled outfit and don’t sit at the top of league for no reason, and the visitors battled their way back into the match and managed to lead into halftime, 17-19, with three tries.

Fleetwood, buoyed by the momentum they took into the break continued the pressure in the second half, scoring two further tries to take a commanding 17-31 lead. Didsbury to their credit kept at it and defended manfully, and their effort was rewarded with a late try. Didsbury’s potent rolling maul got within range of the tryline, allowing scrum-half Olly Thomas to touch down. Again the trusty boot of Bishop was on target, and Toc H secured the losing bonus point, 24-31.

Next Saturday Didsbury make the short journey to Eccles.