Verteran Nick Wroe scores Stockport's first try of the season

Veteran Nick Wroe came into the team at fullback, 11 years after he played in the Intermediate Cup winning team at Twickenham, and scored Stockport’s first try of the season. However that was the only real highlight in a 94-5 defeat by Phoenix.

Once again the Stockport scrum performed well in the set pieces, having parity in the scrums and winning their line out ball. The front row did very well in the set and there were some good ground gaining drives but once the Phoenix backs got the ball Stockport were unable to match them for pace and hold onto tackles and they ran in 14 tries.

Nick Wroe’s try came in the 8th minute as Stockport quickly responded to an early try by the Phoenix right wing. Stockport did create some opportunities, including a scrum against the head, but turnovers or missed touch kicks allowed Phoenix to run back and score. it was 40-5 at half time.

Stockport had a good chance to score as they won a penalty to give a line out 5 metres out from the Phoenix line but the ball was turned over. Good runs by Lawrowitsch, Southern, Hibbs and Broadhurst all gave hope of progress for Stockport but the home defence was too good. Phoenix added 5 tries in the last 10 minutes as Stockport tired from their efforts, having kept the home side to only two tries in the 3rd quarter.

Thanks again to Jackson Davies for his excellent match photos.

Next week is a home game against Kendal kick off at 3.00pm