(a word of explantion over the headline - Niu is the Maori for Coconut. When English speaking european settlers reached New Zealand the local population thought they had called their land Nui Zealand as it is pronounced exactly the same.)

(Mike Akinson for the Stockport Express)
Despite having to defend for much of the game against a very good Penrith side Stockport completed a bonus point win to remain the only unbeaten side in the division. This was an exciting game with both sides playing some top quality rugby but it was Stockport’s defence and ability to take scoring chances when they came that allowed the home side to clinch the win. Three of those chances were taken by debutant wing George Cook.
Stockport were first on the board with a penalty, which was soon matched by Penrith. Stockport added another penalty before No. 8 Davey ran in from halfway for a converted try after a good break by centre Anthony. Penrith had a scoring chance just before half time but the wing hacked over the dead ball line so it was 13-3 at the break. Cruse had been man of the half with some positive running to put pressure on the Penrith defence.
Penrith exerted pressure early in the 2nd half and were rewarded with a converted score under the posts. After collecting a kick ahead the visitors then put their wing away to score wide out to go ahead at 15-13. Within 30 seconds of coming on as a substitute Cook charged down a Penrith clearance and collected the ball to score, Edwards converted. Stockport then weathered a period of real pressure by the visitors and following a break by Smith won a penalty on the Penrith 22, Edwards converted. Stockport took advantage of a knock on at half way and centre Anthony ran through the middle before firing a 20 metre pass to Cook, who beat the defence to score his second try. Penrith replied as the wing outflanked the Stockport defence to score an unconverted try to make it 28-20 with 10 minutes to go. The bonus point was clinched with Cook’s third try as he picked up a loose ball following pressure on the Penrith defence and beat the defenders to make it 33-20 at the whistle. With Chester losing at Bradford and Bingley Stockport are now 6 points clear at the head of the table