Playing at the highest level ever in National 2 North, Stockport made a positive start to their campaign, scoring 5 tries at home against Huddersfield and securing a bonus point. However in what was an otherwise even game, Huddersfield were gifted two interception tries and too many penalties were conceded and converted by the Huddersfield fly half to give the visitors a 42-30 victory. It is early days but with improved ball retention and a reduction in the penalty count Stockport can do well at this level. The pack dominated in the set scrums, the line outs were well taken and there was some promising running by the backs.
Huddersfield played with the strong wind in the first half. The first score came after only 5 minutes, with the Huddersfield wing intercepting on halfway and running in to score, just 5 minutes later their strong running centre benefitted from decoy runners to score and make it 0-12. Greg Newton added an unconverted try for Stockport on 15 minutes after good running by the forwards. Huddersfield added a drop goal, a converted try and a penalty to make it 5-25 at the break.
Playing with the wind Stockport started the second half well, there was good movement of the ball and Newton was just stopped from grounding the ball but a drive from the scrum gave Dave Marwick a try. From the kick off Paul Ralph ran well and the ball was moved left then right and a long pass gave Rob Wellock on the wing a try wide out. At 15-25 and playing with the wind it looked like Stockport were back in the game. Huddersfield added a penalty and as Stockport nearly scored again a pass was intercepted and the Huddersfield fly half ran 90 metres to score put the visitors ahead at 15-33 on 55 minutes. But Stockport were not finished as excellent running by fullback Jonnie Edwards added a try, which was converted by Alex Zavallis Roebuck. Huddersfield added 3 more penalties and Stockport a penalty and an unconverted try by Nick Smith to make the final score 30-42.