Stockport were on the wrong end of an emphatic victory by Ampthill and District as they ran in seven tries on the opening day in the National 2 North

Despite a bright start by Stockport, the hosts were clinical when taking their chances and opened up a 17-0 lead at the break with tries from hooker Joseph Sproston and Captain Viliami Ma-asi.

And the match seemed all but over straight after half-time when to the scoreboard through Paino Hehea and Sproston marched over for his second. Further tries from Joseph Tarrent, Gavin Williams and Jonathan Raven added to Stockport’s misery on day one of their new campaign.

Stockport captain Andy Fuller stated in midweek that Ampthill were a strong side and after Saturday’s performance, it’s clear they have the credentials to push for promotion this season.

“There were positives” said coach Matthew Bebbington. “We made quite a few line breaks, but the difference at this level is that every mistake is magnified.”

“Over the past two weeks we have had 10 five metre line-outs and only converted one and they had three today and scored three. They will be pushing for promotion and its lessons learnt.”

Ampthill showed swagger and looked very assured of themselves in both attack and defence. Stockport did have experience at this level three years ago, but now they know what a long a potentially difficult season it will be.

Ampthill knocked over a penalty to get the first points on the board of the afternoon, but Stockport responded well after a great kick return. Forwards Michael Waddington and Simon Green looked solid and winger Tom Oben was trying to fashion chances with his blistering pace.

Stockport were forcing their opponents back and nearly found a way through. After a fluid move, Josh Longmore laid on a superb pass to Will Batterbury after a brilliantly timed run by the full-back, but he was taken out before he could off load the ball.

Stockport were certainly the better team inside the first 25 minutes with the game being played in Ampthill’s half and the visitors having 77% possession of the ball. But despite the territory and pressure Stockport were putting on the side from Milton Keynes, they just weren’t ruthless enough and the hosts capitalised.

Fuller was unfortunately sin binned ten minutes before half-time and Ampthill took advantage. Sproston crossed over after taking the ball from Matthew Collins and their front row partner Ma-asi added the second in a matter of minutes. Two chances for the hosts and two tries; the pendulum swung towards Ampthill.

Ampthill ended any prospect of a comeback as they grabbed their third try, two minutes into the second half as Hehea touched down. Sporston then got his second of the game after patient play from the scrum as he excellently used his power to get away from Stockport tackles

The hosts were relentless and even after a few half chances for Stockport and a yellow card for blind-side flanker Thomas Nutley, Ampthill scored the pick of their seven tries.

After a loose pass by Stockport in Ampthill’s 22, Tarrant incepted the ball and raced clear to run the length of the pitch to score.
Stockport then conceded two more tries in the final ten minutes with Williams and Raven completing the rout.

Stockport host their first home game of the season next Saturday against Sedgley Park. Kick-Off 3pm.

Click here to listen to Matt Bebbington’s full interview.

Ampthill: Lynch; Morgan, B. Burke, Raven, Diponio; Tarrent, Williams; M.Burke, Bercis, Nutley; Scharff, Henha; Collins, Ma-asi (capt), Sporoston.

Replacements: Wright, Bloisi, Tyler, Aviss, Radley.

Stockport: Batterbury; Oben, J.Edwards, Kaciubskyj, Hall; Longmore, M. Edwards; S.Green, Baldwin, Hibbs; Waddington, Hopkins, Anthony, Millea, Fuller (capt).

Replacements: Mitchell, Graham, Marsland, A.Green, Eccles

Referee: James Clarke.