Stockport were stunned in the first 20 minutes of this top of the table clash at Morley, going 20-0 down as Morley scored two tries and two penalties before Stockport got into the game. The first try, after only two minutes came as the Morley standoff made a break through the Stockport half-backs and gave the Number 8 a clear run in under the posts. Following the conversion Morley moved the ball wide from the catch and the wing was clear to run into the Stockport half, kick ahead and win the race for the touch down. The kicker added the conversion points and then 6 more as Stockport conceded two penalties. Stockport however did not collapse after this onslaught but through an excellent forward effort dominated the last 3 quarters of the game, scoring two tries and preventing Morley adding to their score.
The first Stockport try came from a drive from a lineout on 25 minutes with Skipper Marwick getting the touchdown, there was no conversion but it showed the way forward and from here they built their domination of the rest of the game. There was nearly another try as Cooper’s break set up a scoring chance but the final pass was fumbled. The Stockport lineout was working well and the half ended with real pressure on the Morley line.
The second half started well for the visitors and Fuller seemed to have scored after an excellent drive by the forwards but the referee judged there had been a knock on. Morley then defended really well as the ball was held up five times over the line and eventually relieved the pressure with a penalty. Stockport created a number of scoring chances from forward pressure and good running by the backs but the Morley defence remained firm. Eventually the second try came from another good line out and drive after Bebbington’s penalty had created the position, with Cruise getting the touchdown. There was no conversion but Stockport continued to dominate apart from the one attack of the half by Morley when a scoring pass went forward.
While there was disappointment at not having got at least a bonus point his was a performance that Stockport could be proud of, and it bodes well for the rest of the season.