No league points despite season's best performance

This was Stockport’s the best performance of the season. There was the welcome return of Kieran Hibbs and Simon Green, who have had long term injuries and despite not getting a result in terms of points Stockport dominated much of this game. Once again there was a great forward effort and much improved defence by the backs. It was hard to believe that when these two sides met earlier in the season that Stockport lost 94-5, the sides were much better matched this time round with Doncaster scoring 4 tries to Stockport’s two to win 26-15.

Stockport had the better of the early period and Scott Redfern converted one of two penalty chances before Doncaster scored when the Stockport defence became too concentrated. They then had a try, scored by their right wing to go 14-3 ahead, while Stockport had Simon Metcalfe in the sin bin for a late tackle But Stockport finished the half strongly with a good drive following a tap penalty, when the Doncaster centre was yellow carded for killing the ball. The try was scored by hooker Andy Broadhurst, who had a very good game. Redfern converted to make it 14-8 to the visitors at half time.

Doncaster were quickly on the board again following half time, when the scrum half found a gap and ran in from 20 metres, the conversion was added for 21-8. Stockport dominated much of the second period and were rewarded with a try for second row substitute Paul Ralph after some good driving play by the forwards. Redfern added the 2 points to bring Stockport in bonus point range. Doncaster had several kickable penalties awarded but opted to kick to touch, looking for tries rather than 3 points but the Stockport defence held firm until the last few minutes, when space was created for the visitors No. 10 to score wide on the right to make the final score 26-15. This was a very encouraging performance and it was a credit to this group of players who have kept up their efforts during this difficult season.

There is no game next week and the week after we are away at Kendal.