In a largely uneventful game at Headlands Road, Stockport scored the only try to complete a 10-3 victory over Beverley. The visitors dominated possession for much of the game but the Stockport defence was sound, particularly in midfield where they had to contain the visitors very large centres, who were clearly more used to running than passing. The wet conditions did not help and both sides made too many errors but Stockport’s victory keeps them at the top of the table. With Morley and Penrith both having games in hand Stockport need to win all their remaining games and next week’s trip to Birkenhead Park will not be an easy one.
Beverley opened the scoring with a penalty as Stockport defended against some real pressure early in the half. Stockport then produced a good running move and won a penalty in front of the posts as Beverley prevented release of the ruck ball. Beverley missed a scoring opportunity as the centre kicked ahead when a pass would have created a try for his team mate, before half time came with the score still at 3-3.
Stockport opened the second half well and after Bebbington put in a kick along the ground and two Beverley defenders fumbled and failed to secure the ball Cooper was there to pick up the loose ball and score. Bebbington completed a fine conversion from near the touchline for Stockport to go 10-3 ahead. Stockport had to play for 10 minutes without Newton following a yellow card but the only other action of note was a good drive by Marwick followed by the ball being moved well to the left, Newton was stopped just short of the line, when it looked as if there might have been a second try.