Match Report by Theo Bowyer.

Before we kick off it is only right to mention the very sad loss of club steward Andy Green this last week. He will be deeply missed by all the Stockport RUFC community. Rest in peace Andy… you were a good egg.
Port began the match strongly. A superb nudge gave Port an opportunity to bring their driving maul into play for the first time. They moved the ball smoothly through the hands and a lovely score for K. Hibbs. Simple but effective. A phrase which often sums up Port’s approach. Its low risk rugby at its brilliant best. 0-7 (try conv).
Wirral had their own riposte however and went over for their first try. 7-7 (try conv).
The half hour mark had been reached and it was another set piece scrum that was allowing Port to create opportunities. A strong facet of Port’s is the control from the scrum. Very few teams can match Port’s power in that area and at any level of rugby is a real asset. Some quality passing and Sam Fisher, running another intelligent line went in at the corner. After some tough early games, Fisher has really come into his own with ball in hand. 7-14 (try conv).
Half time had been reached and a lead for Port, but not a comfortable one, meant this game was going to be another close one. Credit to Port, they have become accustomed to winning the close games, showing composure in the clutch moments.

The next score proved it was going to be a close game after Wirral squared the match after a few missed tackles. 14-14 (try conv).
It was now time for calm heads, as a win was vital in Port’s push for a top 4 finish this season.
However, it was the team formally known as the ‘Old Wirralians’ who went ahead for the first time in the match. A devastating blow - potentially? 21-14 (try conv).
Port’s character however is never in question, something that has been built long before the unbeaten season last year, and with only ten minutes on the clock it really was a case of now or never.
When you need the ever reliable, your go-to, the driving maul never fails. Port employed this battering ram to devastating effect for a massive try in context of the match - Tom Gardner the beneficiary. 21-21 (try conv). You certainly get your bang for buck when watching these boys play!
Entering the final 5 minutes - and in danger of repeating oneself - the ever reliable struck again. After countless phases Port’s ‘go-to’ was set in perfect motion and a score for Paul McGookin. 28-21 (try conv). Port had well and truly arm wrestled their way back into the lead. With minutes left on the clock Port game managed professionally and another close win was secured. Final score Wirral 21 Port 28.
A couple of notable mentions were Ewan Holt who recorded another immaculate kicking display and Gardner and McGookin who both provided Port with go forward momentum.

We face a Lymm side this coming Saturday - who will be bruised by their loss at home to Macc - in another clash that has all the hallmarks of another classic.