The 1st XV unbeaten run was extended to 15 as a well disciplined, patient and mostly accurate team beat Manchester 31-0, for the second week running preventing their opponents from scoring. Despite the scoreline Manchester provided tough opposition, defending very well as Stockport pressured their territory for most of the game and showing determination to attack against a very good Stockport defence. The score at the halftime interval was 24-0 but it wasn’t until 5 minutes from the end that Stockport secured the bonus point try, a testimony to the determination of the Manchester defence throughout the second period. This final try was the best of the game as it was very much a whole team score, stemming from an excellent tackle and securing of the ball by full back Callum Owen on half way, as Manchester looked to have created a scoring opportunity. Ewan Holt was 100% accurate as he converted all four tries and a penalty.
Stockport made a very positive start going through several phases but gave up a penalty for holding onto the ball close to the Manchester line. The Stockport scrum looked strong but Manchester had some good possession towards the end of the first quarter. Stockport got onto the scoreboard after 16 minutes when Holt converted a penalty for a late tackle, from the Manchester 22. Following a penalty Stockport demonstrated great control from a line out and hooker Dom Sheratte touched down and Holt converted for 10-0 after 20 minutes. Holt hacked on a loose ball and looked to be winning the race to touch down, but he was held back, there was a goal line drop out from which Stockport mounted another attack. After good phases and retention flanker Ed Poulson scored and with the conversion it was 17-0 More pressure by Stockport resulted in a penalty 5 metres from the Manchester line, opting for a scrum the Stockport drive allowed Simon Green to control at the base before touching down to make it 24-0 10 minutes before the break.
With both sides having to play through yellow card penalties, pressure from their opponents and some inaccurate line outs the second half was an even affair, with Stockport having the better of the possession and Manchester defending stoutly. With just 5 minutes to go it looked as if Manchester had created an opportunity as their left wing looked clear for a run towards the Stockport line. Full back Callum Owen made a superb tackle and getting back to his feet he secured the ball to launch an attack. Substitute Alistair Green had a good run close to the line and the recycled ball gave Owen a run but he was tackled just short, his offload allowed centre Nick Coupland to go in under the posts for his first try of the season and Holt completed the scoring with his fourth conversion for a final score of 31-0.
Stockport travel away to Glossop next week for what is expected to be another tough game, Glossop are one of the three sides to have denied Stockport a bonus point so far.