Much improved performance secures losing bonus point

Stockport secured a losing bonus point in a spirited performance, losing 20-24 against Sheffield in terrible conditions that made handling hard for both teams. This was a considerably improved performance from the last time the sides met, when Sheffield had a convincing victory, the Stockport tackling was resolute and there were some very positive attacking moves despite the conditions. Stockport had the better of the first half and scored a try by Myles Hall on the stroke of half time. Much of the second half was dominated by the Sheffield pack as Stockport struggled to get their scrum or line out functioning. A strong finish by Stockport and a try for Mike Waddington brought the bonus point to keep Stockport ahead of the teams lower in the table despite both Birkenhead Park and Cleckheaton securing victories.

Stockport started well and had 3 early kickable penalty chances, they opted to go for touch and a line out on the first but were robbed in the drive, the second was a narrowly missed attempt for the posts and the third was converted by Ashley Platt-Hughes for a 3-0 lead on 15 minutes. Sheffield quickly replied with a penalty for 3-3. With the line out not working well Stockport opted to take a series of tap penalties and were eventually rewarded with a penalty in front of the posts, Platt-Hughes converted to make it 6-3. Stockport ran the ball following a drive from the kick off and Jonny Edwards’s kick bounced favourably for wing Hall, who exchanged passes with Platt-Hughes to beat the defence and get the touch down, the conversion made it 13-3 to Stockport at half-time.

The Sheffield scrum was beefed up with a front row replacement and put Stockport under real pressure from the start of the second half. After some desperate defence by Stockport Sheffield were awarded a penalty try in the first 5 minutes of the half and 10 minutes later they scored again with a pushover scrum, both tries were converted to give the visitors a 17-13 lead. The Sheffield loose forwards were good at getting their hands on the ball in the loose and put a lot of pressure on Sean Street the Stockport scrum half. After more brave defence by Stockport Sheffield took a line out from a penalty and the ball was won and driven over to give the visitors a 24-13 lead on 65 minutes. It was Stockport who dominated the last 15 minutes, keeping the ball alive and the tempo up. The ball was moved right to left and a long pass by Scott Redfern gave Richard Sackville-West the chance to pass to Mike Waddington, who ran in the last 15 metres to score. Platt-Hughes added the important 2 points to ensure the bonus point was secured, at 20-24.

Next week is the postponed game away to Rossendale, which will be another big challenge for the Stockport pack.