This was the proverbial game of two halves; first Stockport played probably the best half of rugby this season, with the forwards dominating scrum and lineout and playing an excellent controlled driving game, with aggressive defence that kept Caldy on the back foot, while the backs ran well when the opportunity presented itself. Going in at the break 15-0 up there was optimism amongst the Stockport support that the top three opposition would be beaten. But Caldy came out a different side in the second half and the pressure was all on Stockport, as was the 17-4 penalty count in favour of the visitors. The Stockport the defence held to seal an excellent 18-14 victory that leaves them in 7th place in the league.
The first try came after 15 minutes after good driving and recycling from a lineout provided an opportunity for second row Paul Ralph to get the touchdown, the conversion was just wide. With Skipper Dave Marwick dominating the lineout and Stockport’s pressure on Caldy in possession the ball was moved to Tom Cruse on the left and his kick ahead down the line allowed Fly half Josh Longmore to tap the ball over the line and get the try, Longmore’s conversion put the home team into a 12-0 lead. Longmore converted a penalty to put Stockport 15 points clear. With the front row putting the Caldy scrum under great pressure, Mike Waddington (Man of the match) at Number 8 was able to make telling breaks from the back of the scrum. With the visitors feeling the pressure there were several scoring chances but the Caldy defence held firm. As the half drew to a close Caldy began to get into the game and a period of pressure meant good defence was required to leave the half time score at 15-0.
Caldy started the second half in determined fashion and kept up real pressure for most of the half. With Stockport conceding too many penalties, they were unable to develop any momentum themselves. Caldy scored a converted try, driving over after many phases, soon after the break and followed with another as Stockport conceded a free kick for pushing early at a scrum. The game was now close at 15-14 and Caldy looked dangerous. Longmore added a good penalty to give Stockport an 18-14 lead and despite continued pressure, a stream of penalties to Caldy and a yellow card for Ralph the Stockport defence stayed organised and strong. Steve Pearson made a saving tackle as the Caldy centre looked certain to score a try under the posts and Stockport held out for a great victory.