Below Mike Atkinson reports on events during a close encounter up in the very windy North East. In the end the home side would rue the missing of a conversion in front of the posts and we would be thankful to Matt Bebbington for a couple of cool headed conversions from considerably further out.....
Stockport made the trip to Middlesborough to play the side second to them in the table by just one point so this was a crucial game for both sides and the strong wind blowing across the pitch made things difficult for both teams. Despite a nervy start Stockport played some excellent rugby in the first half scoring first and looking the dominant side, the scrum was strong and turned over a couple of Middlesborough put ins and the backs were handling and supporting each other well, with good back up from the forwards. However a couple of gift tries allowed the home side to get their heads up and there was some real pressure for Stockport to deal with and the lead changed hands 4 times before Stockport scored a third try in the second half and hang on to a 2 point victory.

Middlesborough got off to a good start as their wing hacked the ball over the Stockport line just after kickoff, fortunately for the visitors fullback Steve Pearson just managed to beat the wing to the touchdown. The home side had Stockport under some pressure before a drive from a lineout allowed centre Kelly to make a break, he was supported by Harvey who carried into the home 22. Middelsborough conceded a penalty for killing the ball, the guilty player was sent to the sin bin and Stockport opted for the scrum. Ben Blakeley pick up and Marwick finished off the drive with the touch down under the posts. Bebbington converted and Stockport were into the lead. The Stockport full back was unlucky as he tried to kick a rolling ball into touch and it rebounded off the Middlesborough left wing who collected the ball and was able to run in unopposed. Another home try followed as Bebbington's clearance attempt was charged down by the Middlesborough fly half who followed up to score, amazingly he missed the conversion from in front of the posts. Now down at 7-10 Stockport were unlucky to lose prop Cruse with a knee injury and Middlesborough had a period of pressure before the half finished with some strong running by Stockport forwards Blakeley and Ralph and a line out close to the home line following a good kick ahead by Pearson.

Stockport made a good start to the second half with a try after Marwick made a clean catch and the line out was driven forward for prop Jan Anderson to get the touchdown, Bebbington made a great conversion in the windy conditions and Stockport were back in front. Again Stockport proved vulnerable after scoring and the Middlesborough number 10 made a clean break and the wing got clear, Pearson's tackle stopped him but the ball was recycled and Stockport were unable to prevent them scoring under the posts, this time the conversion was good and Stockport were behind 14-17. The home side began to look dangerous and just missed another try as the final pass went forward, another scoring chance was missed for Middlesbourough as the wing came inside his centre and reduced the available space and the centre was stopped by good Stockport cover. Having weathered this storm, Stockport had a great drive from a line out and the pressure on the Middlesborough scrum that followed allowed skipper Marwick to get to the loose ball for his second try, there was no conversion but Stockport were ahead again at 19-17. The home side then really upped their game and Stockport defended well to keep them out despite the pressure. Into the last few minutes Stockport were awarded a penalty and the kick took them to a line out 15 metres out, the drive was good and it looked like the bonus point try was going to be scored but the ball was knocked on over the line and Stockport had to be content with the narrow 2 point victory.

It was another good day for the whole club with victories for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th teams. Next week Stockport face Morley at home, another top of the table clash as Morley have overtaken Middlesborough to go second after their win on Saturday