This loss leaves Stockport with a 50% record for the season and despite the losing bonus point drops them to 8th place in the table.
A knock on as Stockport received the kick off gave Harrogate an opportunity to put pressure on the Stockport line, a penalty was awarded in front of the posts and the quick tap caught Stockport napping as the Harrogate No 10 dived over to score, with the conversion Stockport were 7 points down after only 4 minutes. A series of penalties conceded allowed the visitors to keep the pressure on and when centre Mike Bayssat was yellow carded on 15 minutes Harrogate increased their lead to 10 points. Stockport then developed some momentum and a good run by hooker Tom Cruse took play into the Harrogate 22 and a great 5m scrum gave No 8 Dan Eccles a try, which Josh Longmore converted despite the tricky cross field wind. Stockport were starting to dominate with some continuity developed through a number of pick and drive moves by the forwards, but a feature of the game was the good tackling by both sides and there was no more scoring before half time.
Stockport started the second half strongly and for a ten minute spell kept the phases going until they were just held up over the line, Harrogate conceded a penalty at the 5m scrum and Stockport opted to scrum again, this time the good control allowed replacement Jordan Pearson to get the touchdown, Longmore was on target again and Stockport had the lead at 14-10. Stockport continued to control the play and dominate the scrums, there was good running by forwards and backs but the odd penalty conceded and knock on, together with the solid defence Harrogate by allowed the visitors to stay in the game. On their only visit to the Stockport 22 in the final quarter Harrogate were awarded a free kick as Stockport seemed to push early at a 5m scrum. The tap was taken and the Harrogate pack were over for an unconverted try to give them a one point victory.
Stockport’s next game is away at Luctonians on March 3rd.