Despite some late injury news which presented 18 year old scrum half half with an unexpected full 1st XV debut, Stockport still travelled to their 4th away game of the season.

The Stockport rugby juggernaut rolled onto Rochdale on Saturday. Rochdale were still seeking their first win of the season but Stockport were in no hurry to surrender their unbeaten record. The opening stages of the game were played at a furious pace with both sides finding the referee’s interpretation of the laws hard to grasp. Rochdale built up a 6-0 lead in the first 20 minutes with two penalties.

Stockport then grasped that they were going have more success by moving the ball wide at pace. When they avoided slow break downs Rochdale found it difficult to keep tabs on them. After several abortive scoring attempts they scored their first try with a slick backs move that saw Greg Newton cross the line.

Stockport’s Dave Hopkins was sin binned but during his absence his team mates tripled their try count when centre Jamie Anthony scored after a move in which he was involved twice and fellow centre Craig Cooper added another try before making a try saving tackle just before half time.

After the interval Stockport put the Rochdale under pressure and right wing Greg Newton finished off the bonus point try wide on the right. Rochdale were stirred into action and enjoyed their best period of the game and scored a unconverted try and a penalty over the next 20 minutes.

Stockport got their second breath and in the last 5 minutes of the game they ran in two more converted tries, a second for Man of the Match Craig Cooper and the last try went to No.8 Nick Smith. With the win and the bonus point Stockport moved to the top of National 3 North.

This Saturday Stockport are at home to Penrith. Kick Off at Headlands Road, Bramhall is at 3.0pm