Didsbury Toc H 49 – 7 Burnley

The final score resembles a rather one sided game but this was not the case in all respects, as Burnley had a fair share of possession during periods of the game. In contradiction, Toc H took their opportunities on a regular basis through clever running lines, combination play between backs and forwards, and capitalising upon the visitor’s errors.

Due to the odd number in the league this season, this was Burnley’s first league outing and Didsbury set their stall out to attack at pace from the outset in an attempt to unsettle a big Burnley side.
Carrying on from the previous week’s exploits Enita Okidiko was soon amongst the tries with another devastating unstoppable run down the left wing into the corner. The next try was obviously the pick of the day, if not the season. Olly Thomas from fullback cut through the defence and was just stopped by the last tackler, but he was able to force a pass out to the “onrushing” prop Jon Walker. And with nobody to beat and about 5 metres to go – he skilfully negotiated himself to the line for a well celebrated try. Much to the delight of the on looking masses. Burnley had chances to attack, but they were the architects of their own downfall as two interception tries were gifted to Turner and centre Roughley was able to capitalise on a defence splitting run to bring up the fifth try. Shortly before the halftime break, a sustained attack by Burnley was rewarded with a try to make the score at the break 27-7.

The message to the Didsbury team at halftime was clear, to work on cutting down the errors and make sure the next score was theirs. And it appeared Okidiko had done just that when fine handling allowed him space to dive in at the corner. But whether it was a throwback to his NFL days, or a misjudgement he failed to ground the ball correctly. He soon corrected this as he again outstripped the cover defence to race in at the corner, and had the nous to run round to the posts to make the kick easier for Jamie Peacock – who did not have his kicking boots on. It appeared that Roughley had scored his second from close range, but the referee adjudged him to have been held up over the line. From the resulting scrum, a determined Didsbury pack drove their bigger opponents over the line for Dave Foster to touchdown. The game was wrapped up by Roughley dummying and going through the heart of the Burnley defence, and he pinned his ears back to score his second of the match and Didsbury’s eighth. Final score 49-7.

Comments from the clubhouse:
"Wow, is Mike Hyde still playing at his age!" – Sean Dunne

“Jon Walker’s try was the best I’ve seen” - Anon

“Tom Makin looked fresh” – Dr Kay