Stockport’s unbeaten run came to a disappointing end at Northwich on Saturday, with the home side making a quick start, going 14-0 up within 15 minutes of the start and getting a converted try in a second half that Stockport otherwise dominated to beat their visitors 21-15. Despite their slow start Stockport did get back into the game, and with the scrum going well and some good attacking moves, were back in the game at the break, and went ahead at 14-15, 7 minutes into the second half. Despite being in the Northwich half for long periods Stockport were unable to capitalise on good positions, with inaccuracies and penalties letting Northwich off the hook several times, This result puts Stockport back into mid-table, with the division remaining very competitive from position 8 upwards.

Stockport conceded an early penalty and Northwich opted to go for touch, a cross kick following the line out was easily collected by their left wing and he ran in virtually unopposed to put the home side 7-0 up after only 5 minutes. A good response by Stockport ended when the strong running Northwich No 12 got the ball, broke through Stockport tackles and ran 50 metres to score to give his side a 14-0 lead after only 12 minutes. Stockport, turned Northwich over at the kick off and after a penalty took them close to the Northwich line a well organised drive from the line out gave prop Tom Gardner a try, there was no conversion for 14-5, There was more Stockport pressure but Stockport were unable to convert a couple of penalty opportunities until the last minute of the half, the referee made it clear he was not having any back chat and penalised Northwich in front of their posts and Dudley Southern kicked a 3 pointer to put Stockport back in the game at 14-8.

Stockport started the second half well with some strong scrummaging winning a couple of penalties to take play into the Northwich 22. Simon Green was held up just short before Northwich bungled a tap penalty and Stockport’s scrum was well controlled, winning a further penalty, they opted to scrum and Green picked up and scored, Southern converted and just 7 minutes into the half Stockport were ahead at 14-15. Despite dominating the rest of the half Stockport conceded a try, when Northwich took a quick tap penalty on one of their rare visits to the Stockport half and with good offloading got a converted try to take them back into the lead at 21-15. There was more Stockport pressure but despite Northwich being reduced to 13 men as two players were yellow carded at the end of the game Stockport were unable to get another score.

Next week is another away game at Altrincham Kelsall.