Match Report by Theo Bowyer....

A welcome return to the Stockport colours for Will Conner and he proved to be a secure pair of hands in the line out. Port also welcomed back the dynamic Rory Austin for a much needed boost after a suspected broken finger.
Port began strongly and after several phases some slick passing led to Sam Fisher’s first try for the club. 0-5 (conv missed). The early try was a real nerve settle and an opportunity to control the first quarter.
The heaven’s opened and this made handling rather tricky but both teams dealt with conditions admirably well despite this. In the driving rain Manchester claimed a line out on Port’s 5 metre line. A punishing forward drive and the inevitable happened. 5-5 (conv missed).
On the 15 minute mark, Manchester’s no. 8 Charlie Greene made a determined run deep into Port’s 22. He was a constant thorn in the side all game and was breaking Port’s defensive line. On this occasion Port did well to turn the ball over but failing to make touch and following a well aimed cross field kick from Manchester’s fly half, scored. 10-5 (conv missed).
The downpour had subsided, and a rainbow emerged over the ground. Was this an omen for a change in fortune for Port?
Nearing the half hour mark and Port were making steady progress towards the Manchester 22, but a loose kick means the ball was back in Port’s 22 again. The decision proofs costly as Manchester retain possession from the line out and go over close to the posts. 17-5 (try conv).
Port were awarded a penalty after Manchester were pinned for slowing the ball down. Ewan Holt coolly slots the ball over. 17-8.
With half time approaching Manchester are reduced to 14 men. Before this Si Green looked sure to score with a trademark sidestep but Port couldn’t pinch a try before the break. Half time 17-8.

Port claimed an early turn over and a poor Manchester kick allowed Ewan Holt to run an intelligent line until a simple offload to Rory Austin and a try! Superb play and awareness. Game on! 17-15 (try conv). This was the chance to turn the screw.
No sooner had Port almost achieved parity, when remarkably, with Port creating a left wing overload, possession was coughed up and sniffing the opportunity Charlie Greene ran the full length of the pitch to score. A real body blow when the match looked to be turning Port’s way. 24-15 (try conv). Port were now down to 14 men and facing a tough final quarter. Kieran Hibbs had now entered the fray.
Despite being down a man Port gathered a second wind and more good work from the forwards resulted in a penalty. 24-18.
Tom Mantell was on for a final push to force a result. It seemed every time Port got within striking distance Manchester came back with another punch. 31-18 (try conv).
There was still time for some last gasp drama however and restored to a full complement Port ploughed forward once more. Callum Hibbs with a cheeky score after Port had retained position well. 31-25 (try conv).
Port showed sterling character to force a tense finish to the match. Constant phases and bravery in position and Port thought they had the ball down in the corner. The referee deemed it had been held up and for all that Port had thrown into the last 10 minutes it wasn’t to be. Final score, Manchester 31 Port 25.

Although another loss was tough to take, there were some marked improvements from the Macc game. The penalty count was drastically reduced, and this allowed for large periods of sustained pressure from Port.
Port welcome Northwich this Saturday and after their win against Sandbach at the weekend, another tough match is expected… We go again!