U14s Lancashire Junior Rugby Challenge Match 2 Report

Didsbury U14s put in memorable performance to win away at Southport in our 2nd JRC match.

A depleted available squad of 17 was by match day only 15, so the lads for a second week would need to draw on their fitness reserves to see out the match with no substitutes. Also for the second week with injuries and a shortage of front row qualified players we had to revert to uncontested scrums, not by design but certainly a relief when we caught sight of the Southport BLs!

On receiving the kick off Southport quickly got the ball to their BTL in the centre and Toc H showed their intent with a crunching tackle.

Toc H scored their first try after 5 minutes with our own BTFL showing excellent pace down the wing and OJ scoring between the posts, converted by LBP.

Didsbury's 2nd try was another break by LBP jinking his way through, leaving would be tacklers in his wake to score under the posts and another conversion of his own effort.

There's a pattern developing here with OJ & LBP putting the finishing touches on some excellent play, forwards quickly recycling ball, quick feeds from the scrum half and incisive direct running and expansive rugby. The other pattern is our commitment in defence both in our efforts to maintain line speed and our full commitment in the tackle from all the team phase after phase. Didsbury through excellent defensive play bravely held out Southport as they threatened both at tap penalty situations in our 22 and a five yard scrum beneath our posts.

The abrasive commitment in defense saw Didsbury being reduced to only 14 lads after 17 minutes as TR had to sit out the remainder with a HI. After a huge effort it was almost inevitable that Southport would break through and after 20 minutes they scored their first converted try under the posts to end the first half 7-14.

Following some reorganisation and a much needed breather the second half was underway and Toc H were quickly defending and winning turnovers. Just 4 minutes in we scored our third try as the ball was fed out to OJ taking up a new role in the backs who raced in to score under the posts for a try converted by LBP.

Didsbury needed to defend well driving out Southport in the corner and winning possession to clear to touch. Southport called a scrum after a lineout infringement and a quick attack from the scrum in our 22 was initially defended well before Southport picked up and scored in the corner. The missed conversion would prove to be the crucial difference.

Didsbury's decision making was excellent under pressure, clearing kicks relieving the pressure in danger areas and the follow up and some excellent jackling saw Toc H win a penalty and help clear our lines. The huge defensive effort understandably couldn't hold out for ever and we conceded a third converted try 15 minutes into the half.

The last 10 minutes wasn't only a defensive performance, an interception nearly went over and we looked sure to be scoring in the corner after another fine break from LBP but snagged 5 yards short. The Toc H support were willing on the lads to hold out and the last few minutes we really were sat on the edge of our tenterhooks (Sid Waddell classic!).

Didsbury showed tremendous effort, work rate, commitment and excellent decision making, playing two thirds of the match a lad down, though had we all 15 the performance would have been epic nonetheless.

Thanks to our hosts Southport, excellent facilities and a great club.