STOCKPORT PREPARE FOR NEW SEASON WITH WIN OVER DUDLEY KINGSWINSFORD

Stockport Rugby Club completed their preparations for the new season with a friendly against Dudley Kingswinsford. In the process of rebuilding the squad following relegation from National 2 North this was an encouraging performance, with a 25-15 victory over Dudley who had finished well above Stockport in National 2 North last season. With five new players and a new forward coach in Pete Allen there has clearly been some real hard work done to get the side to gel. There is still work to be done and the penalty count will need to be reduced but a lot to be positive about.
As well as the good continuity and support, which resulted in 3 tries Coach Matt Bebbington was pleased with the character shown by the defence during the last 20 minutes when Dudley were camped in the Stockport 22 and did not manage to score. Stockport were 12 - 3 down before a try by winger Myles Hall after great work by Jamie Anthony and Mike Waddington, last year’s player of the season. With two Josh Longmore penalties the score a half time was 12-11 to the visitors from Dudley.
The second half started with Stockport struggling for continuity and Dudley went further ahead with a penalty. Some great attacking play by Stockport resulted in a try for Jamie Anthony after good running by him, support from new flanker Callum Baldwin and great pace by returning fullback Jonny Edwards. Longmore was on target to take Stockport into the lead. Flanker Dan Eccles added another try after more great running and support. Longmore added the easy 2 points and Stockport then had to put in a courageous defensive performance to keep Dudley out during the final 20 minutes.
With a Cheshire Cup game against Sale FC on Tuesday 27 August there will be an indication of how this side continues to develop