Despite good first half Stockport unable to better Cleckheaton

Stockport made a good start to this away fixture, having their best half of the season as they held a strong Cleckheaton side to 10-10 at half time. There was the expected solid performance by man of the match Callum Hibbs, leading the pack and a very good debut by second row Sam Haley. Young flanker Owen Benson scored his first try for the team in the dying moments of a second half that Cleckheaton dominated with a powerful forward performance, denying Stockport the ball for most of the half. The final score of 50-17 was a reflection of the home side’s ability to keep the ball alive and the power of their forwards. Once gain Stockport’s determination not to give up was reflected by Benson’s last minute try after a very difficult second half.

The first half was a great effort by Stockport, with good tackling and some good movement of the ball, the new centre partnership of Harry Aldersen and Ben Jones provided better defence than Stockport had in earlier games. A very early try by the home fullback as he ran a good line and took a short pass to break through was followed by a second with another fast run into the line. Stockport responded well to these early scores, with Scott Redfern scoring a penalty and then intercepting to run 50 metres to score and convert to bring the scores level. Stockport had several other chances to score, being held up over the line and with an overlap created from the ensuing scrum an errant final pass meant the scores stayed at 10-10 at the break.

The home side dominated the second half after a loose pass gave them an early try. A drive from a line out gave Cleckheaton another converted try for a 24-10 lead. Stockport were then a man down following a yellow card for taking out a man in the air and when Skipper Scott Redfern went off injured were down to 13 men for a time. Cleckheaton took full advantage, adding another 4 tries and 3 conversions before Benson’s try, a run in from half way and Southern’s conversion made the final score 50-17 to the home side.

Next week is a 2.15 kick off at home against top of the table Rossendale.