Stockport completed a six try, bonus point win at home against Bowdon to make it three out of three and go top of the table with 15 points. The final score was 43- 22 but this was no walk over as Bowdon scored three good first half tries to make it 19-19 at half time despite Stockport dominating territory and possession. The home side increased their domination in the second half with the forwards in full control of both scrum and line out but the Bowdon backs defended very well to snuff out several Stockport scoring opportunities, despite having two yellow cards to overcome. Ewan Holt continued to show his ability with several good runs and two tries, while veteran back rower Kieran Hibbs also got two tries. There was some strong runs from the forwards and while hard to pick anyone out mention must be made of Ed Paulson, Nic Smith and Tom Gardner, who all contributed in open play. With greater accuracy Stockport could have increased their total and although this was an impressive win it was also an indicator that there is still improvement to come.

Stockport made a very positive start, after a line out steal by Kieran Hibbs Stockport put pressure on the Bowdon line and opted for a scrum. As throughout the game the Stockport scrum was dominant and a penalty try was awarded with only 10 minutes on the clock, 7-0. The visitors countered immediately, winning a scrum and a good line by their outside centre put him clear to side step and run in from 30 metres, with no conversion it was 7-5. Stockport attacked but a pass out wide was intercepted by the Bowdon left wing and he ran 80 metres to score a converted try for 7-12, despite the domination by Stockport. The home side were clearly not going to have the easy afternoon the initial score suggested. On the attack again, Stockport were awarded a penalty for a late tackle and opted for the scrum 15 metres out, another penalty and another good scrum drive allowed Stockport to move the ball left and Ewan Holt got the first of his two tries, 12-12 after 30 minutes. Bowdon had a penalty to set up a line out, which they won and a good line by their full back out smarted the Stockport midfield defence and the 15 ran in from 25 metres to score a try, which was converted to put the visitors back in front just before the break. A high tackle on Holt gave Stockport a penalty and great control in the drive from the subsequent line out gave Kieran Hibbs his first try, converted by Holt to make it 19-19 at the break.

Stockport continued to dominate in the forwards, at both scrum and line out and good running by the backs kept the pressure on the visitors, who were only allowed a further 3 points from a penalty during the second half. Bowdon were determined in their defence and stopped several scoring opportunities for Stockport in the second period, however it was increasingly obvious that this would be a home win. After only 3 minutes of the half Holt made a good run into the Bowdon 22, then collected a clearance kick and his run and pass gave Alistair Green the chance to beat several defenders and score, Holt converted for 24-19. Bowdon responded with their penalty before a good line out drive gave a penalty advantage, Stockport passed left and Tom Eaton gave Holt the pass for his second try and the lead increased to 29-22. A scrum to Stockport and some more good driving by the forwards resulted in a penalty, which was tapped by Rory Austin, he was tackled by a player not 10 and Bowdon were down to 14. Stockport chose the scrum and good control gave Hibbs at No 8 his second, Holt converted for 36-22 as the game went into the final quarter. With Bowdon unable to complete a front row it was uncontested scrums and so Bowdon were down to 13. Stockport scored one more try as Tom Eaton side stepped and ran in from 15 metres, Holt was on target again to make it 43-22. Despite a second yellow card Bowdon managed to defend well and prevent any further score during the final 15 minutes.

With Kendal unable to secure a bonus point win Stockport go to the top of the table after three games. There is a tough game away at local rivals Manchester next week. Kick off at 3 pm.