A much changed side kicked off ten minutes late due to traffic problems on the M56, but that didn’t cause any issues with Stockport preparations for the game.

An impressive pack put in an impressive performance. Jack Woodcock came in at prop for the 80 minutes and seemed non-phased by the West park front row. Alongside him, captain for the day, Chris Weeks and brother Joe Woodcock dealt well with the scrummage and provided some great ball from the lineout with Nick “Head on Stick” Higginson, James Elsender and James Shaw.

A strong back row caused havoc around the park in defence with Nick Blackham putting some massive hits in. James Shaw, Dave “DC” Chappel and Nick Blackham dominated the West Park back row throughout the game. Bravery of the day go to Dave “DC” Chappel who split his ear away from his head (not totally!), but following some treatment from the West Park physio and an abundant application of tape around his bonce, went back on to finish the game. Hero of the day is Joe Weeks having travelled back from abroad on an emergency business trip to make the game and last the 80, what a guy!

Rob Trollope came in to 10 and following a couple of early nervous passes, he gathered himself and put a cracking performance in for the 80. His defensive work was impressive and he linked well with Keith Warhurst and Rick Barrow in the line. His work from the boot was equally good. Keith Warhurst marshalled the backs and penetrated the West Park defence, always breaking the gain line. The centres were a last minute arrangement due to drop outs from the side and although there were lots of individual performances in the team, both Craig Lee and Keith Warhurst were top of the list.

We saw Oye hit top speed with a number of jinky runs, the best of which resulted in a try from the flyer. Rick Barrow managed the back 3 well and would have managed to slot more kicks if the ground was not as sticky due to the pouring rain and mud.

Tries came from Chris Weeks, James Shaw, Craig Lee (a 50 metre sprint following some great interplay), Oye and Dave “DC” Chappel, who pooped out of the bottom of ruck like a little mouse and popped the ball over the line! Rick Barrow got one conversion and one pentaly kick.

Joe Rankin replaced Nick “Head on Stick” Higginson in the second half, once Dave “DC” Chapel returned from the blood bin and Tom Thiele came with the squad from the 5s (thanks Euan/Tim) and replaced Ed Bruce. He managed a few runs in attack, nearly coming close to breaking free and managed well in defence having spent most of the first half fetching balls, lugging water, running touch and sending on the kicking tee. Thanks Tom!

Keith Warhurst was named Man of the Match, although there were many close performances from Nick Blackham, Dave “DC” Chappel, Rob Trollope, James Shaw, James Elsender and Craig Lee.

Special thanks to the guys who came into the squad late and also to the West Park coach and physio who assisted with injuries, provided some drinks to Oye and dished out sweets during the game – thanks lads, much appreciated.

Cheers, Fletch.

From Ed Weeks:
Good performance from the pack. All starting 8 putting in a good performance. Jack Woodcock looked untroubled at prop against a big West park pack. Rob Trollope did really well after a bit of a shaky start. Keith Warhurst controlled the backs from centre and Craig Lee looked comfortable in the centre and scored a really good try from way out. Another good performance from Rick Barrow. Ed Bruce looked a bit out of his depth. Both subs did well when they came on. Chris Weeks not available next week. Ed