Stockport travelled to Cleckheaton to find a very muddy pitch that deteriorated during the game, making handling and running very difficult for both sides. Stockport came out worthy winners having been solid in defence and as adventurous in attack as the conditions allowed. Despite having to defend in their own half for the first 20 minutes it was Stockport that had the best scoring chance before half time. Craig Cooper delayed his pass on half way to create a gap for fullback Drew who looked as if he was going to make the line but the Cleckheaton defence pulled him down just short, unfortunately the off load went to a Cleckheaton player and they were able to clear the danger.
The second half started well as from the kick off Cleckheaton kicked into the Stockport half and Drew took the ball well and moved it via Rees and Cooper to Greg Newton, the centre kicked down field and as he and wing Eccles caught the fullback the Stockport forwards followed up quickly and Marwick stole the ball in the maul and went over on the blindside unopposed. This was not a day for kickers due to the terrible conditions underfoot and Cruse was unable to add the conversion. There were some desperate moments for Stockport as they dropped the ball twice in trying to clear near their own line but Cleckheaton were unable to take advantage and Stockport cleared. Rees made a good break and again a Newton kick took play into the home 22, the forwards kept the pressure up for 5 phases but eventually Cleckheaton were able to clear. There was a good kick by Drew after Newton had made ground in midfield and the home fullback failed to take the ball, his winger was unable to secure the loose ball and Marwick picked up to dive over for his second try. Cleckheaton then had another period of pressure but as a Stockport defender jumped to take a high ball he was taken out by the Cleckheaton centre, who was handed a yellow card. With Stockport back in the home 22 they won a scrum and Rimmer passed to Cooper, who powered his way over the line despite the efforts of 3 tacklers to make it 15-0 to Stockport.