Stockport’s first game of the new season was away at Penrith, it proved to be a very entertaining game with both sides exhibiting lots of attacking flair but also showing early season defensive frailties. Stockport were on the scoreboard early and completed a 36-50 victory despite Penrith running in 3 tries in the last 15 minutes to reduce their visitors winning margin. Nevertheless this was a very encouraging start to the season for Stockport, with the forwards well organised in driving forward, and supporting well and the backs showing some very exciting running, in all 14 tries were scored with Stockport scoring 8 to Penrith’s 6. Josh Schofield, centre for Stockport scored 2 tries while stand off Liam McGovern slotted 5 conversions. Fullback Rhodri Mayer was Stockport’s man of the match

From the kick off Penrith kicked and Stockport full back Rhodri Mayer collected and carried and after support from Marc Benson Stockport were awarded a penalty and from the resulting line out the catch and drive gave No 8 Nick Smith the try. James Keane scored straight from the kick off after good passing by Stockport. 0-12. After a spell of pressure by Penrith they turned the ball over and Stockport ran the ball 10 metres from their own line and Josh Schofield made the touch down for a 0-19 lead. From a scrum Rhodri Mayer’s mazy run beat 4 tackles for Stockport to go into a 24 point lead. Before the break Penrith scored twice, through their right wing after a miss move and with a catch and drive by their forwards. Stockport added a 5th try after good gains by the forwards and passing in the backs to give Schofield his second. to make it 14-29 at the break.

Stockport picked up where they had left off as hooker for the day Kieran Hibbs touched down from a line out catch and drive. After good support play Rory Austin scored and Stockport were 14-43 to the good. Penrith replied with another first phase miss move and a try for their right wing before Stockport’s final try came from a scrum pick up by Jordan Pearson, who gave a scoring pass to Simon Currie to make it 21-50. Penrith then scored 3 unconverted tries in the last quarter but Stockport had done enough to secure a bonus point win and very positive start to the season.

Next week is a home game against Douglas Isle of Man 1.45 pm kick off