Stockport travelled to Lancaster for this away fixture at Vale of Lune and came away with a 5 point victory after a very hard fought contest in a high wind. The promised storm was delayed until later in the day but the wind looked as if it would have a real influence on the result. Playing with the wind in the first half Stockport established a 7-15 lead in the first quarter but despite playing against the wind Vale fought back to be just 12-15 down at the break. With the wind remaining strong it did not seem as if this would be a big enough margin for the visitors, but Stockport controlled the game well after being inspired by a great solo try by man of the match Simon Green minutes into the second half. Green’s try secured the bonus point. There were some nervous moments after the referee let Vale get a third try following a blatant knock on at a ruck on half way but Stockport kept going through the phases, mostly in their own half to run down the clock, after Harry Rapley kicked a penalty to give a better margin to defend.

Stockport started strongly and put pressure on the Vale line with a number of good phases but Vale managed to get a turnover, however as they tried to work the ball into a better position to exit, the ball went loose and Stockport flanker Keiran Hibbs pounced to get a try after just 5 minutes. Conversions were always going to be difficult but Stockport had a 0-5 lead. Vale responded quickly and following a line out close to the Stockport line they recycled and the No 8 scored near the posts and the home side took a 7-5 lead. With 16 minutes gone Stockport chose a scrum for a penalty and Green picked up and ran to the line, the recycled ball reached full back Callum Owen, via Tom Eaton and Nick Coupland for the full back to score for 5-10. Eaton returned the kick off to the Vale 22 and the home side throw in was not straight, Green picked up from the scrum and fed skipper Rory Austin, who ran in for a try and the visitors had a 7-15 lead. Just minutes later Vale kicked ahead and the Stockport defence was unable to control a wickedly bouncing ball and the Vale right wing got the touch down to make it 12-15. The rest of the half was hard fought, with Vale having to defend some good Stockport pressure. With the home side due to have the wind advantage in the second half it looked like a very small margin.

A good kick off put Vale into some difficulty and Green got his hands on the ball and his pace took him past all the Vale defenders to score under the posts, Rapley converted the bonus point try for a 12-22 lead. Stockport had relieved Vale pressure with a good turnover but at the ruck on half way the referee missed a clear knock on and Vale took full advantage with the wing running into the Stockport 22 and feeding his supporting player, who just beat the Stockport defence to touch down, with the conversion there was once again just a 3 point margin with 20 minutes to go. Stockport controlled the last quarter, retaining possession and denying Vale the chance to use the wind and with Rapley’s penalty closed out the game at 25-19.