Didsbury Toc H U16s Vs Marple

It was a glorious spring-like day in South Manchester as Didsbury took on Marple – a team they had not played for a number of seasons.

Your newshound’s demeanour turned a little edgy when he saw that there were some enforced changes due to injury and unavailability. The apprehension spread when “Mad Dog” Kennedy was injured in the warm-up!

Marple kicked off but the ball did not travel 10 metres, Didsbury won the ensuring scrum and a number 8 pick-up saw them advance into the Marple half.
However, Marple got a turnover ball and despite strong tackling by Molloy and Bolton Marple crossed the line after a good back move. The kick was unconverted. Didsbury 0 Marple 5.

From the restart Didsbury attacked but Marple countered well and the play ebbed and flowed. Eventually Didsbury, using their forwards, advanced to within 5 metres of the Marple line. Unfortunately a knock-on gave Marple the chance to clear their lines and good back play saw them advance well into the Didsbury half.
Despite good tackling, especially from Molloy and Kaye, Marple moved threateningly towards the Didsbury line.

Didsbury conceded a penalty near their line and the Marple forwards drove over for their second try. The conversion was missed. Didsbury 0 Marple 10.

Marple were now in the ascendency and a good back move saw them score under the posts. A successful conversion made it Didsbury 0 Marple 17.
Things were looking ominous. Should your intrepid reporter cut his losses and head off to the clubhouse for one of Mr. Harrison’s famous bacon barms? Whilst pondering this question excellent runs by Bolton and Molloy saw Didsbury press deep into the Marple 22.
Good forward pressure eventually told and Andrews crossed the line from close range. The try was unconverted and at half-time it was Didsbury 5 Marple 17.

From the kick off Marple attacked and a fluent back move saw their winger score. A successful conversion made it Didsbury 5 Marple 24.
Didsbury countered and Taylor, who had come on at half-time, got his just reward for some powerful runs by scoring. The kick was missed, Didsbury 10 Marple 24.

Self-belief seemed to flow again in Didsbury’s veins and with Perrie and Quinn rampaging like a couple of angry water buffalo they moved towards the Marple line. Eventually the pressure told and the combative Merrick scored near the posts. A successful conversion by Grogan made it Didsbury 17 Marple 24.

Alas Didsbury were brought down to earth by another good move by the Marple backs (aided by some poor tacking) which resulted in another unconverted try. Didsbury 17 Marple 29

He next period saw good play on both sides with Bolton prominent in defence and attack. Even the brief introduction of Kennedy could not help Didsbury keep Marple out for another converted try. Didsbury 17 Marple 36.
It looked bad when Marple scored again to make the score Didsbury 17 Marple 43. 10 minutes to go. How many more would Marple get?

Didsbury were stung into action and following some good interplay between forwards and backs Bolton crossed for a well-deserved try. Grogan's conversion made it Didsbury 24 Marple 43.

Didsbury kept up the pressure and were rewarded with another try, this time by Molloy. Grogan's conversion made the final score Didsbury 31 Marple 43.

Overall a very enjoyable game to watch.

Marple always had the edge thanks to their well-drilled backs but Didsbury showed some good play and plenty of spirit. Better first-time tackling and conceding fewer penalties may have seen Didsbury get even closer to the Marple total.