Stockport beat Cheshire rivals Sandbach

Report by Tom Eaton
After a big step forward defeating Northwich the previous week, the home side were confident they could take the form into this week against a Sandbach side who were bottom of the table and yet to record a victory. The visiting side, welcoming back a number of key experience players, would clearly be stronger than their league position suggested and they certainly lived up to this.
It was all Sandbach to start with some expansive attacking rugby. It was only a loose pass that lead to new signing, second row Lucas Katz, to gather the ball on his own 22 and race into the opposing half. Showing tremendous pace, athleticism and skillset defiant of his position, put a pinpoint gruber kick through to the supporting Sam fisher. Some patient interplay followed before identifying the space out wide for Rory Atwill to finish off. Cameron Hertz converted for a 7-0 lead.
Sandbach responded immediately with a well worked try, spreading the ball wide from a scrum before returning the ball smartly to score in the opposite corner through fullback Ryan Barratt who looked dangerous when ever he touched the ball. A penalty from kick off saw Stockport back in the opposing 22 and a sweet nudge through from fullback Calum Owen was well finished by Sam Fisher, who continued his outstanding form from the previous week.
The back and forth continued as some Stockport indiscipline saw Sandbach back in the red zone. A well-executed classic Sandbach set play off lineout saw the away fullback Barratt touch down again. Conversion missed, 12-10 to Stockport and the game finely in the balance. It was from here that Stockport took control of the game with their best period of play.
A good Sandbach box kick and chase could have easily put the pressure back on had in not been for scrum half Alex Pantechis showing great footwork, unleashing back row Callum Hibbs to link with partner Alex Taylor, lovely hands from Luke Simpson put Rory Atwill in the corner for his second. Stockport turned the screw further with a lovely try to follow up from a first phase back line move. Captain Rory Austin holding the defence well to put Cameron Hertz clean through to link with the prolific Rory Atwill to finish for a first half hattrick. Half time score 22-10.

Sadly this saw the potential to take the game further under control missed, Stockport indiscipline and the visiting sides resolute commitment not to be beaten saw them battle back into the game with the next try from a driving maul. Some nervy moments were expelled as the ever excellent home side tight head prop Tom Gardner bashed over from close range to make it 29-15 and leaving Sandbach with too much to do.
The visitors finished the game the stronger team and snuck a deserved bonus point with a try at the death.
Stockport were left disappointed with their over all performance and didn’t feel they lived up to the standards they set. This is credit to the ambition of the group, but should be pleased to take away a bonus point victory against a team we have not beaten in the league at this level before. Captain Rory Austin lead from the front as always and was ably supported by the ever physical and industrious Tom Metcalfe. Well done to Sandbach who showed their class and desire to play attractive rugby throughout, the fact they remain in bottom place shows what a challenge this league is.
A deserved week off next Saturday. Next game up is away to Rossendale on November 4th. We hope to see you there.