TOC H 2s winning streak came to an abrupt end on Saturday courtesy of a 24-5 loss at the hands of Wilmslow 2s. In a top of the table clash which doubled as a cup game, Wilmslow outscored Toc four tries to one to move into sole possession of first place in Division 2 South.
Toc started brightly and were the better side for much of the first quarter. They’ll regret not putting points on the board during this period as Wilmslow have been miserly in the points against category all season. In truth Toc were unlucky not to come away with the opening score as the bounce of the ball denied Jack Powell from scoring in the corner following Seb Sherette’s hoof down the field.
Wilmslow worked their way into the game and following some powerful carries opened the scoring thanks to a neat inside pass from one of their big forwards to one of their backs who had run a nice supporting line. They followed this up with a second try just before half time to leave the score 12-0 to the home side as the ref brought the first half to a close.
Toc regrouped at half time and knew that a couple of minor defensive adjustments and greater accuracy in attack would see them get back in the game.
Conditions worsened as the second half kicked off as heavy rain made handling more difficult. Wilmslow started the stronger and crossed for their third try of the afternoon, increasing their lead to 19-0. Toc had it all to do at this point but the belief was certainly there that a comeback was still on.
After putting together a string of attacks they got their just rewards. Seb spotted the Wilmslow right winger in no man’s land and put in a cross field kick which Toc’s #11 fielded and stepped his man to dot down despite the defensive cover. Ben Jeffer narrowly missed the conversion to leave it 19-5 to the home side with 20” to play.
By this point the rain was relentless causing issues for both teams at scrum and lineout time. Handling errors were also a factor but credit must go to both teams for continuing to play expansive, running rugby.
With 12” to go Wilmslow extinguished any hopes of a Toc comeback with a try under the posts to increase their lead to 19 points. It remained like this until the end, giving them a 24-5 win.
Despite the scoreline Toc caused Wilmslow plenty of problems and will feel they deserved more than the solitary score. Their level of performance would have been enough to beat most teams in the league but this is a well-drilled Wilmslow side who move into the last eight of the Robinsons Brewery Trophy.
Didsbury will hope to get back to winning ways this Saturday when we travel to play Anselmians 2s.