Kirkby run in six tries (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Kirkby run in six tries

9:23am Friday 5th October 2007 in

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DIDSBURY provided the toughest test yet for Kirkby and they needed to run in six ttries to get the better of Didsbury in this first ever North Lancs and Cumbria League meeting between these two sides.

Kirkby had most of the early play but a mix-up over clearing a loose ball gave possession to the visitors who suddenly put their right wing into a lot of space. Although Benson caught him just short of the line there was support inside for an early try.

Davis' kick was just wide, but he was a player who would have a big influence on the remainder of the match.

Kirkby kept up their all-action play and a quick recycled ball went to Barton who scored near the posts. Hadwin converted and supporters breathed a sigh of relief.

Kirkby Lonsdale 44 - Didsbury 34

The home tem kept up the pressure and were awarded a penalty, which Hadwin converted to increase the lead.

Almost from the re-start Kirkby achieved an attacking position and strong running by Hadwin and Green saw the final pass go to Pickthall who scored behind the posts.

Hadwin converted and at 17-5 Kirkby looked to be in a promising position.

The visitors had two fast wingers and their tactic was to give them the ball in space.

A harmless looking lineout on the 22 suddenly gave Didsbury quick possession and they burst broke through the centre to score near the posts. Davis converted and Didsbury were back in the game.

Despite being the smaller pack Kirkby fancied their chances mauling towards the try-line and prop Ryan Holmes drove over for a good try.

Hadwin was on his extreme range, but put the ball between the posts.

The Didsbury midfield backs did not appear particularly fast, but stood up well in the tackles, sucking in the Kirkby defence, and they were rewarded with a good scrum-half try converted by Davis, to bring them right back into the match at 24-19 on the stroke of half-time.

After the break Mallaband had another good run and the visitors gave away a penalty which Hadwin put over.

Play became a little heated and Hughes and his opponent were both yellow carded.

Davis put over another penalty kick to keep his side in contention, but Didsbury then had another player yellow carded and Kirkby again applied the pressure, camping on the visitors' line for a lengthy period.

At last a quickly-taken short penalty by Barrow made space for Barton to cross over by the posts. Hadwin converted and Kirkby again looked in the clear.

The Kirkby pack seemed to be getting on top of their opponents and a blindside move was well finished off by Mallaband. The conversion attempt hit the posts and bounced out.

The visitors rallied and were obviously fitter than Kirkby's two previous opponents. Davis received the ball with two yards to spare and proved to be one of the quickest players seen on Kirkby's pitch for a long time as he scored near the posts then converted his own try.

Kirkby again attacked on the right and a blindside move saw several players combine to get Squires over for a try.

The game again took an unfortunate turn with the Didsbury No 8 getting a red card and Barton being shown a yellow.

Didsbury still finished with a flourish when two Kirkby players tackled an attacker who slipped the ball to Davis who once again could not be caught and scored midway out.