The second half was a cagey affair with Macclesfield seemingly in control of the game as Stockport just couldn’t find a way to get themselves back into this final.

And three minutes from time, the Blues delivered the hammer blow to Port as they scored the decisive try to secure the trophy.

Stockport RUFC were hosting the event which consisted of four teams; Ashton on Mersey, Macclesfield, Sandbach and ‘Port themselves.

The Stockport side featured a mix of older regular players, players that had been drafted in and a few that had been dragged out of retirement for the day.

Port started the competition with a 7-0 win over Ashton on Mersey thanks to a well worked try and some solid defending, after good second half pressure from Ashton.

Port were then beaten 26-0 by their arch rivals Macclesfield in their second game of the tournament.

Macc were 5-0 ahead at the break, but a try from the base of a scrum on Port’s 22 and two breakaway scores in the final four minutes of the match, sealed a convincing win for the Blues.

Stockport then made sure they were in the cup final with a narrow 7-5 win over Sandbach in their final game of the mini league.

Port started in electric fashion as they took the lead on three minutes after excellent pressure ended with them going over from close range.

With the try converted, Sandbach then went on the offensive and went close on two occasions just before half-time, but couldn’t get their first points on the board.

It didn’t take them long to score after the restart and at 7-5 the pendulum had swung in Sandbach’s favour.

However, despite more pressure from the kick-off from Sandbach, Port managed to defuse any further attacks and booked their place in the final.

Stockport were joined by Macclesfield in the final who had finished on top of the mini table and they were also unbeaten.

Unlike the previous match between the two sides, this was much more of a closely fought contest with both sides looking dangerous with ball in hand.

But it was Macclesfield who were on the front foot for most of the first period and managed to get the first score of the final as they worked the ball wide to touchdown in the corner.

Macc added the extras, but straight from the restart, a lapse in concentration gifted possession back to Port who took full advantage to get their first try of this final.

With the score at 7-5, Stockport knew they needed to hit the ground running at the start of the second half, but Macc made sure they controlled proceedings throughout.

The game was confined to the midfield for most of the half, but with three minutes on the clock remaining, an excellent line break set the Blues free and they scored to the left of the posts to give them a 12-5 lead.

With the try not converted, there was a glimmer of hope for Port, but Macc saw the game out and were crowned champions.

Stockport Rugby Club Chairman and Vets runner-up Ged Gurney said: “Big thanks to the other teams that played on the day and the few from Stockport who helped host the event.

“Fair to say the day was a great success, even though we were not victorious in the final.

“Final thanks must go the Stockport players who turned out to play on the day (despite our advancing years), hope you are all now able to walk!”