Weakened Stockport side find Carlisle worthy of their top of the table status

Stockport travelled to Carlisle for this top of the table clash with an understrength side and came across a very good Carlisle team, which did not allow Stockport a repeat of last weeks excellent performance. Top of the table Carlisle quickly demonstrated they had a hard running pack and backs who played with real pace and accuracy. Added to this injuries and a yellow card meant that Stockport played nearly 30 minutes with only 14 men, which made the task of containing Carlisle even more difficult and the home side ran in 7 converted tries to one by Stockport to seal a 52-7 victory. Carlisle extend their lead at the top of the table while Stockport drop to 4th. Despite the result Stockport fought hard and produced some good moments, notably the try by man of the match Simon Green.

Carlisle scored after only 5 minutes as they benefitted from a lucky rebound off a clearance kick and quickly recycled 4 times and a forward drive took them in under the posts. Stockport got back in the game after an excellent turnover by skipper Kieran Hibbs and it was only the first of many penalties awarded against Stockport that killed the attack. A penalty gave Stockport the chance to win a line out 5 metres out but despite a good drive the ball went loose. Both sides had to defend well and with Stockport playing into the sun fullback Rhodri Mayor did well to take some difficult high balls. On 30 minutes Carlisle got a penalty in front of the posts and a yellow card for prop Sean Gill meant Stockport had to play out the half with only 14 men. Carlisle converted the penalty before scoring again as Stockport failed to defend a line out and the excellent Carlisle No 7 ran in for a try. It was Stockport who finished the half strongly, despite losing their hooker, Dom Sherratt with an injury, only desperate defence on their line by Carlisle prevented a Stockport score before the break, leaving the score at 17-0

Carlisle added two early second half tries before Green got Stockport’s only score of the game with a well worked move from a line out that recycled 3 times and gave Green the space to run in on the left. McGovern was on target to make it 31-7. With Stockport’s prop Gill going off injured the scrums went uncontested and Stockport were reduced to 14 for the last 20 minutes. Carlisle were too good to let the weakened Stockport team back into the game and added 3 converted tries in the last 15 minutes to make the final score 52-7.

Next week is a home game against local rivals Manchester at Headlands Road, kick off at 2.15.