Stockport completed their 18th win out of 19 games against a very good Darlington side in a testing match. Despite going 12 – 0 up within 10 minutes the game was far from the walkover the positive start seemed to indicate and Darlington proved a stern test for the league leaders. Even during long periods of pressure the visitors never looked like scoring a try until the final minute of the game when they got a break away as Stockport were going for the bonus point try. There were mistakes by both sides and several scoring opportunities were created by Stockport but missed due to handling errors, the concession of penalties or wrong options. However it is a measure of this Stockport side that their defence remains well organised and despite being under pressure for long periods they are able to keep winning, by taking most of the scoring opportunities they create.
The first score came after only 2 minutes with a bright start resulting in the ball being moved right to left along the backs and No 8 Jordan Pearson appearing on the wing to score wide out for the first of his two tries. Jonny Edwards converted and five minutes later Edwards put in a huge penalty to take play from the Stockport 22 to 10 metres from the visitors’ line. The drive from the lineout gave Nick Smith a try, there was no conversion but a vital 12 points were in the bag. Prop Craig Anthony was yellow carded for a late tackle and Darlington converted the penalty. Darlington kept Stockport pinned in their own half for most of the sin bin penalty but the defence was excellent and they did not concede to leave it 12-3 at half time.
Darlington made a good start to the second half but Stockport looked to have got a try as good handling gave wing Greg Newton a run in but he was flagged for a foot in touch. Both teams added a penalty before Stockport created several chances with good breaks but were never able to get the scores these promised. Darlington got a penalty as Stockport were penalised for not releasing in a tackle, 10 metres were added for back chat and Darlington kicked the goal to make it 15-9. Stockport moved the ball left from their own half and Newton coming in from the opposite wing put in a good kick and James Drew forced the fullback to carry over the line. From the resulting scrum Stockport controlled the ball well and Pearson was able to get his second try, Edwards converted and the game was safe. In the final minute Darlington got a break away as Stockport threw everything into getting the fourth try and the defence was unable to catch the Darlington players as they scored under the posts and converted.
With Bradford and Bingley losing again and Chester drawing the lead at the top of the table is increased to 16 points.