Stockport score 5 tries to beat Burnage 29-3

Stockport scored 5 tries for the second week running but this time a 5 point win was secured at home against local rivals Burnage. In atrocious conditions, with continuos rain and a strong wind blowing diagonally down the pitch it was hardly a spectacle, with both sides struggling to keep the ball in hand. By the time Jonny Edward’s conversion of the final try, on the stroke of full time, went over it was difficult for the spectators to distinguish between the sides and see the action. however the game was always competitive despite the 29-3 scoreline to Stockport.

After some initial early pressure from Burnage Stockport scored a try on their first visit to the visitors 22. Simon Green made a break through all the Burnage defenders from a line out and the recycled ball allowed centre Mike Kaciubskyj to sell a dummy and go through to score. The wind made kicking difficult so there was no conversion. Within minutes there was a try for wing Lewis Bowman, Scott Redfern made a good tackle that gave Stockport a turnover and Bowman ran in from the 10 metre line, Ashley Platt-Hughes converted and it seemed this could be a real opportunity for a win. But Burnage competed very hard, a period of pressure resulted in a penalty, which they converted for 12-3. It was a half of knock ons, both teams had opportunities to score but the referee called them back for a scrum, even though there should have been an advantage played. The score was 12-3 at half time.

Stockport, playing with the wind advantage were soon further ahead, a Burnage player was stripped of the ball and Mike Waddington, back after an extended injury lay off, carried into the 22, the recycled ball was moved right and after pressure on the line Kaciubskyj got his second to make it 17-3. The Burnage No 11 made a scything break from half-way and it was only a great tackle by flanker Jordan Simpson that prevented a try. Stockport were under pressure as a pass was knocked on in goal and it was only desperate defence that prevented a score as the stronger Burgage scrum tried to drive over the line. Another driving run by Waddington and quickly recycled ball allowed Jonny Edwards to run a good line and tear through the Burnage defence to score, again no conversion. Burnage had periods of pressure but the half was played mainly in their territory and on the stroke of full time skipper Simon Green scored after a good line out and drive, Jonny Edwards converted with the last kick of the game while a mass brawl resulted in one player from each side being yellow carded immediately before the referee blew for the end.
Next week is another home game against Hull, currently 5th in the table.