Thirds lose 29-14 to Didsbury

The thirds ran out of steam in the final ten minutes allowing Didsbury to pull clear. Up until that point it had been a close fought affair, with Buxton thirds getting to within 14 - 15. Skipper Mike Barber had a number of selection problems to sort out as he lost three players before the start for various reasons. The Thirds started strongly with a dominant pack getting the upper hand in the set pieces. Bearman, Uprichard and Austin outplayed their opposite numbers for most for the afternoon. Uprichard was a revelation around the park, attacking the lose ball and tackling around the fringes. But it was Didsbury who took an early lead through a well-worked move that left the Buxton defence flat footed. Once Weston, deputising at fly half found his feet however, he began to get the backs moving forward. Charles Fussell playing his first game for eighteen years was solid and composed in the centre and formed a useful partnership with Dan Gyte. Buxton’s first try came from a set piece move. After Barber had made some hard yards the forwards drove into the Didsbury twenty-two. From the resulting scrum Charles picked up from the back of the scrum and sent the defence to the right. He found Simon Fussell on his inside. Fussell crashed through the remains of the defence from fifteen metres to score a well worked try. Charles converted. Didsbury hit back and despite some excellent defence by Paul and Gyte they found gaps and worked their way over for their second. By now the dominance of the Buxton pack was such that Didsbury were avoiding scrums at every opportunity, opting for line outs when ever possible. Taylor who had an excellent half began to take control at the lineout, disrupting the opposition ball at every opportunity. The back row were working well together and covered acres of ground, Allen and Charles putting in some big hits and Fussell cleaning up the lose ball. At half time Buxton were still in the game. Some positional changes brought on fresh legs. Kidman picked up from where Taylor left off providing a good supply of lineout ball, while Dilworth slotted in at centre. Buxton scored next. A sweeping move started by Preece saw the backs up field. Dilworth found Dawson with a sweet pass but he could not quite round his marker. The ball was recycled and Buxton continued to attack. First Charles then Barber drove for the line but were held up. From the five-metre scrum Buxton used their superior power and drove the Didsbury eight back over the line, allowing Charles to pick up and score. Buxton were back in the game and they continued to press for the score that would give them the lead. Ritchie who had tackled well all afternoon cleared up some lose ball and Paul in support broke out of defence. Charles Fussell took a difficult pass and shipped it on to Gyte but Didsbury were equal to the task and snuffed out the attack. As time ran out Buxton wilted and allowed Didsbury two soft tries to take the game. Despite the score line this was another solid and brave performance from the thirds, they continue to improve and work well as a team.

Buxton were Bearman. Uprichard, Austin, Barber, Taylor (Kidman 40), Allen, S Fussell, Charles, Preece, Weston, Ritchie, C Fussell (Dilworth 40) D Gyte (C Fussell 60),Dawson, Geordie Paul