This was probably Stockport’s best game of the season and Caldy, despite scoring a try after only 7 minutes were comprehensively outplayed by the Stockport pack for most of the game. The pack scored 3 of Stockport’s tries with well controlled mauls being driven over the line, while the backs produced a try for wing Elliot Fletcher after some slick handling. The work done on defence and control since last week was clear for all to see.
Caldy were awarded an early penalty for a late tackle and from the ensuing lineout recycled several times to get a score under the posts. After a break by Jamie Anthony Stockport got a penalty and kicked to within 10 metres of the Caldy line for a lineout, which was well controlled and the drive produced a try for Kieran Hibbs, Mike Barlow kicked the conversion from wide out for 7-7. A good period of pressure by Stockport resulted in a penalty, which Barlow converted. Caldy turned over Stockport possession and after several phases their strong running centre scored a converted try. Stockport hit back again before half time after a scrum near the Caldy line was won and the ball moved left by the backs, James Drew came in from fullback and gave Fletcher the chance to beat the defence to score, giving Stockport a 15-14 lead at the break.
Stockport started the second half well with some good continuity and soon a penalty gave them a lineout on the Caldy 22. An excellent catch and drive took the pack 20 metres for prop Craig Antony to get the touchdown, Barlow converted. Apart from conceding turnovers and penalties, which gave Caldy some chances, Stockport dominated the rest of the half, defending well when Caldy had possession and controlling the ball well up front. The fourth try came from another drive from a lineout with Nick Smith getting the try and Barlow again adding the 2 points for a 29-14 victory.