With both sides prepared to attack and the defence of both teams being sound it was a good game to watch, with the lead switching hands several times. Of particular note was the Stockport tackling, the improved control and discipline and Longmore’s 100% kicking.
Stockport went into the lead after 22 minutes, when good follow up tackling gave them a chance to pick and drive, with Craig Anthony and Dave Marwick making good ground before flanker Tom Cruse ran a good line to go in under the posts. Josh Longmore made the conversion. A kick ahead by Cruse and good follow up work by debutante Myles Hall and Gregg Newton resulted in a penalty, which gave the chance for a drive from a lineout but a penalty was conceded and Leicester ran the ball from their own 22, their No 12 ran into the Stockport 22 and the forwards drove over for a try but their kicker was unable to add the two points. On 36 minutes good running by the Stockport centres Jamie Anthony and Mike Bayssat and wing Hall followed by good recycling by the forwards allowed Longmore to make a long pass for wing Gregg Newton to run in, Longmore converted to make it 14-5. Leicester replied immediately as Stockport were unable to control a kick ahead and the Leicester players took advantage to score another unconverted try to make it 14-10. Just before half time Stockport were again on the attack close to the Leicester line but there was a turn over and the ball was moved wide and the Leicester full back ran the length of the field to score to put the visitors ahead 15-14 at half time.
Stockport went back into the lead with a penalty early in the second half, Leicester replied with their first successful kick at goal and for the rest of the 3rd quarter it was about good defence from both sides. Stockport went ahead again with another Longmore penalty on 61 minutes before he scored his try, following up a kick and getting a good bounce, his conversion deprived Leicester of a losing bonus point.