STOCKPORT MAKE EARLY CUP EXIT WITH PRIDE INTACT

As Stockport’s first competitive game of the season this Cheshire Cup first round proved to be a tough opener, however despite a 36-0 win to the young professionals the Stockport team produced some good rugby and in particular the defence stood up well, preventing what could otherwise have been a 50+ point victory for Sale. Other positives included the kicking and accurate long passing of stand-off Matt Bebbington.
From the outset it was clear that James Wade’s young team had plenty of pace and excellent handling skills and support play. Despite being contained in their own half the Stockport players held firm against some good attacks and it was only after some 20 minutes that Sale got their first try. The second try came on 25 minutes and was scored by the lock after a break from scrum-half. At last Stockport had a good spell, with some positive running and linking, winning a penalty that took them into the Sale 22, but the lineout was lost and Sale cleared. There was one more converted Sale try to make it 19-0 at half time.
Sale started the second half positively and created a four man overlap but the fly-half chose to go alone and the sole Stockport defender made a tackle causing the 10 to pass into touch. A try followed as Sale handled the ball well from ½ way and the scrum half scored for a 24-0 lead. Stockport then upped their game and had a really good spell going close and winning a couple of penalties and driving from line outs but despite being just 5m out on a couple of occasions were unable to score. The Sale team then kept the ball alive through several phases and despite some great tackling eventually scored under the posts for 31-0. From the kick off Stockport had their best moment as they robbed the catcher and skipper Marwick made ground into the Sale 22 and Cruse almost reached the line but was unable to get the touchdown or get the ball to Drew on the wing. Sale got another converted try on 70 minutes before Stockport finished strongly camped on the Sale line for the last 5 minutes but again were unable to make it count.
Next Saturday has Stockport travelling to Chester for the first North 1 League game of the season.