Stockport secure top spot with a 31-0 bonus point win in the local derby against Burnage.

Stockport weathered a real storm from the Burnage forwards in the first 25 minutes to secure an excellent bonus point win and go top of the table, although Huddersfield do have games in hand. Although under some pressure in the set scrums, Stockport eventually took advantage of the quick artificial surface and the dry conditions, playing fast, accurate rugby with the forwards and backs linking well to score 4 converted tries and a penalty to nil, although the Burnage effort deserved more.

Despite a positive start with a 35 metre penalty by Josh Longmore Stockport were unable to get out of their own half for much of the first half. The Burnage forwards had their rolling maul well organised and several times took it close to the Stockport line but the Stockport defence was excellent, keeping the home side out and avoiding the concession of penalties. it was about 35 minutes before Stockport got into the Burnage 22 and they came away with a try after the ball was moved right from a line out and Jamie Anthony stretched over the line to score despite being tackled. Longmore converted. Then just before half time Burnage made a break into the Stockport 22 but the defence just stopped the attack. In the ensuing ruckus both the Burnage scrum half and Stockport flanker Callum Baldwin were yellow carded. Stockport then ran a clearance by Burnage back and good passing and speed gave Chris Roddy a try, which Longmore converted with the last kick of the half to make it 17-0 at the break.

Stockport started the second half positively and an early attack resulted in a yellow card for the Burnage No 13 as he prevented release of the ball. Stockport went for the line out and the drive from the line out resulted in a second try for Jamie Anthony. Longmore was again on target to increase the lead to 24-0. Burnage then returned to the attack and Stockport had to defend desperately against a sequence of Burnage scrums. scrum half Mark Edwards was yellow carded but the defence held firm and Stockport cleared their lines. Stockport again got close to the Burnage line and the referee issued a fifth yellow card to the Burnage number 8 for not releasing after a tackle. Stockport then had a scrum in the Burnage 22 and despite being driven back Dan Eccles managed to get the ball to replacement flanker Simon Green and his run and looping pass gave Myles Hall his third try in as many weeks. Longmore completed his 100% conversion rate and the final score was 31-0.

This was a great win, a fitting tribute to the memory of those from Davenport RUFC who died in the Paris air crash 40 years ago. There was a minute's silence at the start of the game to mark the anniversary.