Despite good forward effort Stockport unable to breach Kendal defence

Despite having better than parity in the forwards and some good periods of possession Stockport never looked like breaking down the Kendal defence. The home side scored 3 tries in each half, converting those in the first but not the second to secure a 36-0 win. Conditions were wet and slippery, which made handling difficult for both sides. Young Prop Will Hurstworth made an impressive debut and scrum half Mark Ray, also on debut had a good game.

Stockport started well, with a lot of possession and won a penalty that took them into the Kendal 22, but the line out was not straight and from the ensuing scrum the Kendal N o 8 picked up and ran 80 meters to score as the Stockport defence was unable to catch him. Scott Redfern made a try saving tackle after Kendal counter attacked but the ball was recycled and Kendal had an easy score. Kendal kept up pressure and James Kean just got the touch down to save a try from a kick ahead. Stockport won several penalties but were unable to take advantage as touch was missed. The forwards continued to compete, winning several turnovers but from a scrum on halfway the Kendal scrum half went blind and the Stockport defence was outflanked to make it 21-0 at the interval.

Stockport made a positive start to the second half but the effort was frustrated by some poor choices and lack of territorial gain. Kendal scored again from a scrum, with the ball being moved wide to beat the Stockport defence and again when after a series of good off loads the No 10 was able to run in. to make it 31-0. There was then some very good Stockport defence as they frustrated the home team by turning over the ball and tackling well before Kendal finished with a try wide out after the Stockport defence was left stranded by some good passing.

Next week there is no game but there will be a lunch at the club for those wishing to watch the internationals. Please let Mike Atkinson know if you would like to join the lunch, as numbers will be limited.