It only took a week but Stockport’s Head Coach, Tim Burgon, managed to conjure up an entirely different Stockport performance against Birkenhead Park on Saturday. In heavy conditions it appeared that the whole team had lifted themselves after the disappointment of the defeat at Beverley.

The forwards dominated the loose play and were first to every ruck and the backs showed a lot more steel in defence and flair in attack than we’d witnessed previously. The whole XV also showed a fair degree of patience as they were met by a very determined defensive wall from the visitors who must have spent upwards of 90% of the game in their own half.

There was never a truer adage than was extolled by the rugby wise spectators who braved the elements: “Games are not seldom won in the first 20 minutes”. What Stockport did use the first quarter of the game for was to sap a lot of the life out of Birkenhead Park. After 22 minutes the first cracks started to show as the Park No 7 Ben Shepherd was sinned binned. Whilst he was absent Stockport should have crossed for their first try but the final pass to James Drew left him with too much to do.

Prop and Man of the match Tom Cruse did eventually get the much needed first try after 37 minutes as he popped up on the left hand side of an attack and showed pace worthy of a winger to crash over the line. 5-0 Then Birkenhead Park visited the Stockport half for only the 2nd time and returned with 3 points from a softly given away penalty and the half time whistle went soon after.

The 2nd half to a large degree reflected the first 40 minutes. The difference was that, with a slight pitch and wind advantage in their favour and Birkenhead creaking under the constant pressure, Stockport banged 3 further tries in the next 24 minutes and a valuable bonus point as well. Steve Pearson scored the first with Tom Cruse playing a pivotal part in the move. Matt Bebbington added his only conversion of the day. 12-3. No 8 Ben Blakely muscled his way over for his second try of the season and then Greg Newton brought home the bonus point after another eight minutes. 22-3

There was still 16 minutes to go and Stockport did just a bit more than go through the motions but Birkenhead Park at least had a consolation try to take home with them. Final score 22-8