Coach Tim Burgon was anxious to continue the form the team had shown in their previous game. The first stages of the game were a ding dong affair as the 2 sides sized each other up. The home side took the lead after 9 minutes with the first of three first half penalties all in front of the posts around the 22 metre line. 3-0. Ten minutes later Stockport got full value from a session of penalties which brought them to the right hand corner. They launched a driving maul from a line out with the touch down by Nick Smith for his 11th try of the season. Josh Longlore added the extras. 3-7.

Stockport enjoyed total dominance of the set scrums and Nuneaton’s celebrations when they won the put in at a scrums became increasingly stifled as the game went on. The Stockport defence looked well organised but they were slow to come to terms with the referee who they found difficult to read. This lead to 21st and 26th minute penalties to give Nuneaton back the lead. 9-7.

To add to their woes, Stockport had scrum half Sam Cottrell sin binned in the 34th minute. His absence didn’t appear to have any effect on the game and it was Stockport who had an opportunity to regain the lead with a 40th minute penalty. With Josh Longmore in good form with the boot it was a surprise as well as a disappointment to see his attempt sail wide.

The half time break suited Stockport . They returned onto the pitch at full strength and with a renewed focus. They showed their intent with a powerful forward drive. Nuneaton found themselves under a lot of pressure and over the 2nd half they lost their discipline which cost them two players receiving yellow cards. The second of these to their replacement prop lead to the scrums being uncontested in his absence. This was a merciful 10 minute respite for Nuneaton.

10 minutes in the half , Stockport fly half Alex Zavallis-Roebuck received the ball and attack the Nuneaton back line from 15 metres and found a gap to slip through to score. Longmore’s conversion put the visitors ahead 9-14.

It would another 20 minutes before Stockport broke through again. This try came from Captain Dave Marwick who drove over from close to the line after a line out. 9-19. The game was never destined to be a work of open flowing rugby but Stockport’s only disappointment will have come from inability to secure the try bonus point and finally to have conceded a final penalty of the day which allowed Nuneaton to grab a late losing bonus point. Final score 9-19.

This week Stockport return to home turf against Preston Grasshoppers and we await news as to whether a certain Mr Sean Long will be ready to make his debut for Hoppers. Kick-off is at 2.0pm.