In the first competitive game of the new season, Stockport hosted Sandbach in the Cheshire Cup Quarter Final on Friday evening. Against visitors from a higher division this was always going to be a hard game and a good test for the strong squad Stockport had available. Despite some good possession, strong tackling and a positive approach, Stockport were unable to gain any significant territorial advantage and with vulnerability to pace out wide were unable to contain the visitors who won 12-35 to go through to the next round.

Sandbach got off to a flying start, with three tries in the first fifteen minutes, the first came from quick passing and with the Sandwich full back coming into the line at pace he created room for the left wing to run in and score. The second try came after the ball was moved left then right and space was created for the right wing to touch down. Just minutes later after a Stockport attack Sandbach ran the ball out of their own 22 and the fullback scored after taking a return pass from his wing. The inside centre converted all 3 tries for a 0-21 lead. In the second quarter, Stockport retained possession well but were unable to make any positive inroads into the Sandbach 22 , despite a good drive from a 5 metre line out which was turned over as the maul was held up.

The second half saw Stockport continue to have a good share of possession but it was not until the 55th minute that a try came. quick possession from a ruck and some very good quick passing allowed skipper Rory Austin to touch down but there was no conversion for a 5-21 scoreline. The Stockport scrum started to dominate the set piece and a few opportunities were created but not taken, allowing Sandbach to clear their lines. On 65 minutes Sandbach converted their first visit to the Stockport 22 in the second half into a try as repeat phases gave them a try under the posts and the kicker was on target for 5-28. The Stockport scrum continued to look strong and a penalty was awarded, scrum half Alistair Green tapped and made good ground and flanker Simon Green picked up and went through the ruck to run in for a try from half way, Dudley Southern converted for 12-28. But it was the visitors who had the last word with a try in the final minute, a good Sandbach attack meant Stockport full back Callum Owen had to make a try saving tackle but the recycled ball was moved to the right and the touch down, converted by the centre meant a 12-35 final scoreline.

Next week is the start of the league fixtures with a home game against Penrith, which will be the first real test for this Stockport squad, which includes several young players coming through from Colts rugby as well as some well established veterans.

Thanks to Rachel Stockton for match photos