Stockport began the New Year with a convincing 7 try win away at Bowdon to maintain the momentum of the first half of the season. The 0-43 scoreline did not truly reflect the contribution Bowdon made to the game, there were numerous occasions when the Stockport defence had to be at its best keep out a determined Bowdon side. However it is a measure of the group Stockport now have that they have the all round game to keep the opposition out and score tries created both by forwards and backs. That all round game will certainly be needed in the home game against close rivals Manchester next weekend.

An early line break set up a chance for Stockport but a penalty for holding on was conceded and Bowdon cleared to half way, their long kicking from hand a feature of the first half. Skipper Rory Austin went close after tapping a penalty before on, 20 minutes, Callum Hibbs touched down after a well controlled drive from a line out 20 metres out, Ewan Holt converted for 0-7. Bowdon used their kicking game to keep Stockport away from their line and exerted some pressure but the Stockport defence was solid. On 32 minutes there was a first try for Simon Green, Tom Eaton gathered his own kick ahead on half way and after good continuity Stockport won a penalty, Green took the tap and scored for Holt to add the extra two 0-14. The Bowdon player who was yellow carded for the penalty actually stayed on the pitch until well after the restart, when his presence was noticed and he left the field. There was no more scoring before the break.

Just 2 minutes into the second half Holt took the ball in his own 22 and made an excellent break to half way, he kicked ahead to the Bowdon line and wing Jack Martin tackled the fullback, Stockport secured the ball and it was Simon Green who scored the try for Holt to be on target again, 0-21. More good work and patience by the forwards set up a score for flanker Ed Poulson to make it 0-26. Stockport survived a scare when Bowdon kicked to the try line but were soon on the attack again and forced a goal line drop out, which was caught by replacement centre Setareki Talatoka and his run through the Bowdon defenders was stopped just short of the line but Alistair Green was on hand to touch down 0-31. After creating several good scoring positions, which were not converted Austin broke from the back of a ruck to dart in under the posts and Holt’s conversion made it 0-38 with 10 minutes to go. Austin intercepted a pass on half way and made one of his now familiar runs to the line to complete the scoring at 0-43.

Nest week is a tough home fixture against derby rivals Manchester, kick off at 2.15 .