Stockport hosted Northwich in a game that would see both sides square off for the third time this season after Port succesfully overcame their Cheshire rivals in an early season Cup game but of far greater importance was the bonus point win in Octobers league fixture at Northwich.

The game started well for Port after the most patient of build ups saw the pack gain a foothold deep inside the Northwich 22 before stand off Tom Eaton's long cut out pass found Rory Atwill in space on the right wing where he outflanked the last man for the opening score.

Port then had the lions share of posession but struggled to ulock the visitors defence. It was to be a full half hour before Port added to their opening score but when it came it was certainly worth the wait as the ball went through almost every pair of hands in the back line before centre Ewan Holt drew his man leaving Sam Fisher with a clear run to the line for another unconverted try which was the half time score which seemed scant reward for the home sides amount of posession.

The second half then followed the pattern of the first half with an early try for Stockport after another flowing move involving backs and forwards again found that man Atwill in space out wide for another great team try with Rory finishing with his own version of the "Ash Splash"(the kids like it) to see Port go into a 15-0 lead after another touch line conversion drifted wide.

The visitors pulled a try back almost immediately after the home defence was stretched allowing Northwich to score outwide for an unconverted try.

With 10 minutes of the game remaining Port secured the bonus point try after a catch and drive from the pack saw Tommy Gardener plant the ball down over the line for his customary one metre trade mark try (they all count)
Port then added a fifth try to finally put the game to bed after a solid scrum close to the Northwich line found Rory Atwill who broke the line and fed the supporting Morgan Mohring who finished with aplomb.
It was to be Northwich though who closed the show with a second try to see the final score finish Stockport 27 Northwich 10.
Make no mistake there are no easy pickings in this league as Blackburn found out at Anselmians on Saturday but this was a solid win for the home side and the coaches will take great heart from the confidence and excellent handling in the build up to several of the tries.

Next up is bottom placed Sandbach but please read the paragraph above as Tom Eaton's men know only too well, Bradwall Road is not an easy place to win.