MATCH REPORT: National League Two Division North: Stockport 19-14 Otley

Will Batterbury’s score on 22 minutes had put Port ahead, but a try from Stephen Costello levelled things up a minute later.

However, a Chris Barlow touchdown and a 65 meter try from Batterbury gave the hosts a 19-7 half-time advantage.

Stockport then had to defend valiantly for large periods of the second half and when Stephen Depledge crossed late on, it looked like Otley could steal a victory.

But, Stockport held on to claim just their second win of the season in what was a superb team performance from the home side.

Captain Andy Fuller said: “I’m absolutely made up. I think it shows the character we have got within the squad. We haven’t had our fair share of luck this season, but it just showed that we just don’t give up.

“We had our backs against the wall in the second half. We didn’t score a point, but it didn’t matter. Our defence was fantastic and Otley couldn’t break us down. Regardless of the fact we are going down, to have that character and to take it forward to next year is brilliant.”

Double try scorer Will Batterbury added: “I was very happy with my two tries. I was almost gone at the end of my 65 metre try! Since we have been relegated, the boys have fought hard to the final minute and that was on show today.”

Stockport’s relegation back to National Three was confirmed at the start of the month but since then, their performances have improved week after week.

The fight, spirit and character the side has shown since knowing that they will finish bottom of the table this season, was rewarded with this win over Otley and now Port have picked up nine points from their last five games.

Stockport did not appear to be phased by an Otley team that had dominated proceedings when the sides had met earlier in the season, and Port pinned the visitors back inside their own 22 for the first quarter of the match.

Oliver Longmore was held up twice and so was team-mate Callum Baldwin before Stockport finally got a return from relentless pressure on a strong Otley defence.

Flanker Ben Marsland went for the line but was halted and from two meters out, at the base of the ruck, Batterbury threw a dummy pass and sniped his way over. Ashley Platt-Hughes converted.

But Stockport were pegged back 20 seconds after the restart when centre James White snatched the ball from Port.

He offloaded to prop George Burkinshaw who set-up Costello to finish underneath the posts. Depledge added the extras.

Normal service seemed to resume after Otley’s try as Stockport went back on the offensive and winger Barlow put his side back in front as he crossed in the corner after Port stretched Otley’s defence with quick ball.

That was Barlow’s first try for the club and after Platt-Hughes had converted that score, Port were celebrating their third try of the afternoon three minutes later.

Fly-half Mike Kaciubskyji intelligently intercepted Charles Parker’s pass and popped the ball to the impressive Batterbury, who galloped clear to score after a 65 meter run to put Stockport in charge at the interval.
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This was the ninth time Stockport had led at half-time this season and before today; they had won just one of those games. That stat now no longer applies to the Red, Green and Whites.

Port had to be patient and frustrate their opponents and that is what they did. After a first half of good attacking intent, they turned their attention to defending fearlessly to make sure they secured this win.

Otley had Stockport exactly where they wanted them, but as the weather conditions worsened, the mistakes start to appear for the away side as knock-ons in vital areas proved costly.

For 30 minutes, it was constant Otley pressure and every single Stockport player was throwing themselves into tackles and rucks with Marsland along with fellow flanker Sammy Graham, appearing to be at every single breakdown for the hosts.

Six minutes from time, Otley managed to cross the whitewash as Depledge cut Stockport’s led to just five points after converting his own try.

But, from the kick-off Otley produced one to many errors and Stockport were left elated at the full-time whistle as they tasted victory for just the second time this campaign.

After the Easter break, Stockport travel to Broadstreet on April 11th. Kick-off is 3pm.

Click here to listen to the full post match interviews with Andy Fuller and Will Batterbury on Stockport Rugby’s official AudioBoom account.

Stockport: Fletcher; Tennuci, Platt-Hughes, J Anthony, Barlow; Kaciubskyji, Batterbury; Fuller (capt), Longmore, C Anthony; Eccles, Waddington; Graham, Marsland, Baldwin.

Replacements: Broadhurst, Millea, A Green, Gaskell. (Stockport only had four subs)

Tries: Batterbury (2), Barlow
Cons: Platt-Hughes (2)

Otley: Sharples; Hudson, Coady, White, Roberts; Parker, Depledge (capt); Burkinshaw, Steele, Moss; Stannard, Scott-Paul, O’Donnell; Heaton, Costello.

Replacements: Wales, Rigg, Cook, Rhodes, Ellison.

Tries: Costello, Depledge
Cons: Depledge (2)