Stockport completed their 16th victory of the season with an effective if unexciting performance against a determined Lymm side, to remain top of the table. Lymm, playing at home provided the sternest physical challenge Stockport have faced for several games and despite scoring only 4 penalties to Stockport’s 3 tries remained in the game until Stockport’s 3rd try sealed the win in the final quarter. Lymm did create several scoring chances but their handling let them down as the Stockport defence remained firm.
Lymm scored first with a penalty after 7 minutes but Stockport replied with a successful kick by Jonny Edwards from the 22. Lymm got another penalty before Paul Ralph scored the first of his two tries after good recycling and progress by the Stockport forwards created the space for him to run in, Edwards converted to give Stockport the lead. After more good phases of possession captain Dave Marwick was stopped just short of the line and from the resulting penalty Stockport took the lineout and flanker Nick Smith got the try as the drive took him over the line. Stockport finished the half on the attack and the score at the break was 15-6.
Stockport conceded two penalties for Lymm to get close at 15-12, the first of these for the offence that resulted in Ralph’s yellow card. Stockport then put real pressure on the Lymm line but failed to get a touchdown and Lymm got back into the game and there was a nervy period with Lymm only 3 points down. However the Stockport defence remained solid and after the Lymm hooker had been sent to the sin bin Edwards made a fine break into the home 22, the pass went astray but the position was established in the Lymm 22 and Stockport kept up the pressure. Ralph scored his second try after a good scrum and driving play by the pack, again there was no conversion but the win was secure at 20-12. Stockport remain 9 points clear at the top of the table.