Stockport went to Chester to meet the 3rd placed side and found a very determined opposition but once again the Stockport defence was solid and well organised, conceding only one penalty, while scoring two converted tries and two penalties to complete a 20-3 victory. Stockport had a setback when fly half Jonny Edwards was injured during the warm up so Matt Bebbington moved out and Rory Bell came in at scrum half. There were some good attacking moves by Stockport, with Bell, fullback George Cook, and centres Jamie Anthony and Craig Cooper all making effective breaks. The forwards all looked impressive and hooker Tom Cruse scored both the tries. Chester did create some openings but were frustrated by the quality of their visitors defence.
The first half was close fought. Stockport converted a penalty by Bebbington after 7 minutes, Chester missed a penalty attempt before Stockport were into the home 22 but were penalised for crossing, Chester kicked to half way and from the resulting line out their fly half kicked into the Stockport in goal area but wing Greg Newton just won the race for the touchdown to prevent a Chester score. Just before half time, Bebbington converted from in front of the posts to make it 6-0. A chance to go safely into half time was spurned as a penalty on half way was tapped and there was a nervy few moments as Chester attacked before the half ended.
Chester made a positive start to the second half and won a penalty in front of the posts, which was converted. Stockport scored their first try on 55 minutes, strong running by Jordan Pearson and quick recycling allowed skipper Dave Marwick to beat the first tackle and his pass put Cruse in near the posts, Bebbington converted. Stockport then created some good chances without taking advantage of them before a Chester player was yellow carded in the last 5 minutes. Stockport made the most of the extra man after a drive from a lineout was recycled and the ball moved left for Cruse to take the ball out on the wing and run in to give Bebbington an easy conversion with the last kick of the game.
With Bradford and Bingley getting a bonus point win Stockport are now 15 points clear, but with a game in hand. Next week is a trip to Penrith for what is likely to be another hard game.