Tough warm up against Kendal but some promising play

Stockport Rugby Club played their first fixture under new Player/Coach Dean Schofield in a preseason friendly away against Kendal on Saturday 12 August. With opposition in National 2 North it was always going to be a tough game, especially as the Kendal side were playing their last fixture on their old ground before moving to a new clubhouse and ground. The game was played over 4 x 20 minute quarters and it proved that the larger Kendal squad meant that the final quarter was really a session too much for Stockport as they conceded 3 tries in that period to make the final score 41-12 to kendal.

Stockport started well with early pressure but were not able to convert 2 line out catch and drives into tries.The first period of Kendal possession resulted in a try - converted. 7-0 after 10 mins. Play was then fairly even and featured some good Stockport defence but there was a 2nd try Kendal, unconverted -to make it 12-0 after 25 mins. Stockport continued to play and, after good break from fullback Rory Austin, an inside pass with good support play resulted in Jack Wilson going under posts, conversion 12-7. Stockport defended well on their line, seeming to have gained possession, but the ball was stolen back and Kendal got their 3rd try - the conversion making it, 19-7.
The third quarter had Kendal’s 4th try to make it 24-7 before a period of Port forward pressure, featuring a good passage of recycling, backed up with quick ball wide by backs and Gareth Johnson squeezing over in corner. The try was unconverted to make it 24-12 at the end of the quarter.
Kendal added those 3 tries in the last period
There were many positive signs for Stockport's young side and evidence of plenty to work on in training. A special mention for Joe Wilson who was playing his first game in 4 years ( after sequence of injuries ), he put in some great tackles, and had a good all round game. There were many other excellent performances - justifying plenty of optimism for the forthcoming season, which sees Stockport meeting many of their old local rivals, including - Wilmslow, Manchester and Burnage so local derbys to look forward to.
The first competitive fixture of the season is against Northwich away in the Cheshire Vase on Saturday 19 August.