ORUFC U16 v Didsbury Toc H U16

Oldham u16s were looking forward to Sundays “friendly” game with Didsbury, having played them a few times over the last 2 or 3 seasons it would be a real test of how far the home team had progressed and a chance to test themselves against a team in the Blacksticks league above their own.

Unfortunately the home side were hindered with 2 of their newly formed and ever improving back line being unavailable (Both Archie Taylor & Charlie Maslen out injured) so there was some re-jigging to do but it was still a strong looking squad that took to the pitch.

Oldham started well and looked to drive forward from the kick off trying to put some pressure on the Didsbury defence and possibly take an early score. The away side weathered the storm and started to settle into their game. They are a well drilled outfit and gave Oldham very little time on the ball as well as competing in the rucks and Mauls. The first score went to Didsbury when they managed to work the ball to their full back who showed a turn of pace which caught the Oldham defence napping. A well taken try and a distinct wake up call for Oldham.
The game settled into a fairly well balanced contest, both teams defending well and looking for breaks when they could. Didsbury managed to score a second (this time converted) try after about 15 mins but Oldham didn’t lose heart. After about 25 mins played Oldham managed to get some sustained pressure in the Didsbury 22m. There was some scrappy play and Connor Chadderton crossed the line and placed the ball only for the Referee to pull the teams back for a scrum. Oldham still kept the pressure on and from the resulting drives, scrum half Joe Kershaw darted over to score. Aidan Pass was unlucky with the conversion but Oldham were right back in the game.

Half time Score Oldham u16 5 v Didsbury u16 12.

The half time talk was very positive and the team spirit really seemed to be holding strong, however the second half started badly for Oldham as they let Didsbury in for a quick score. At 5-19 down the game looked like it was going away from Oldham but they didn’t give up. Some strong drives from Greg Antonio & Elliot Foley started to turn the play in Oldham’s favour. The whole team were trying to drive forward and this could be seen in the rucks and mauls, Oldham taking the ball on and testing the Didsbury defence at every chance they got. Sammy Ireland and Harry Aaronson linked well in the backs to create several chances but always the final pass went to ground or the tackle was made. Hooker George Vick worked tirelessly in the set pieces and is really shaping up to be a great front row player. Sadly Oldham couldn’t score and with almost the last action of the half a sloppy kick by the home team was gathered and driven forward by Didsbury allowing them to score their 4th Try and finish the game with a rather flattering scoreline.

Final Score Oldham u16 5 v Didsbury u16 26.

On the day the better team won however the real difference between the teams was Didsbury’s organisation and attacking threat from their backs. Both teams defended very well but Oldham must learn to break down defences and take their opportunities when they get inside their opponents 22m. Again another good performance by the U16s but no result to show for their hard work. MoM went to George Vick but he was pushed close by Antonio and Aleks Kurkiewicz.