The One Where Elliot Needed A Little Rest

Stockport seemingly faced their toughest test of the season so far as they travelled to Heaton Moor 2's in league action. With the home side's first team not in action, it was fair to say this was a much changed side than the early season fixture however Stockport made changes of their own adding Dan Eccles to the back row and seeing No.8 Elliot Galloway return to the starting line up fresh from his auntie's wedding.

After a thoroughly shocking warm up, Stockport came out of the traps on the B of the bang and immediately laid siege to the Heaton Moor line however mistakes and inaccuracy meant it was all to no avail with an early misplaced pass almost allowing the home side to score first were it not for the timely intervention of speed machine winger Max Bailey who got back to prevent an almost certain try. The game continued to be played predominantly in the home side's half and the pressure eventually told after numerous phases from the pack saw the back swung from coast to coast and into the hands of centre Aaron Hussain. Having made a half break, a cheeky little offload to Eccles meant all he had to do was pass to wing Craig Lee (I know, Eccles actually passed) who scorched over for the first try of the game which went unconverted by fly half Rhys Warhurst. The game was then a little bit disrupted as lock Mel McCaughey saw yellow for a high tackle and he was soon followed off the pitch by a Moor player leaving it 14-a-side on a huge pitch, however Warhurst redeemed himself with a penalty goal which followed another Moor yellow card for a high shot on centre Duncan Hedar. Another mistake led to another Moor breakaway which was again stopped by Bailey and with the bench being used early due to physicality of the game, Stockport managed to reach half time with their 8-0 lead intact.

The half time chat focussed on keeping things simple, keeping calm and clear thinking which seemed to have the desired effect and the forwards took the game to Moor was several thrusts to the line. Replacement prop Tom Rushton went close and from this attempt, Eccles plunged over from close range which was converted by full back Gaz Thomas after Rhys Warhurst had left the field injured. 15-0 ahead, Stockport made the cardinal error of trying to run the ball from everywhere which led to sustained pressure on the Stockport line and from a scrum, it was scrum half Keith Warhurst who saw yellow for persistent team offsides by the visitors. Despite a remarkable defensive effort, Moor managed to force their way over for a converted try making it 15-7 but the lead was soon increased with Thomas knocking over a penalty kick. Again Stockport could not defend their lead and again allowed Moor back in to with careless decision making inviting the pressure and this led to a second Moor try which went unconverted and it was now an uncomfortable 18-12 lead. Undeterred, Stockport again came back and after several forward exchanges, Hussain cut a great line ("great line Aaron") and crashed over for Stockport's 4th try which was converted by Thomas taking the score to 25-12. At this point Galloway pleaded with coach Birch to replace him cos "he was tired" however a further penalty from Thomas gave the visitors breathing space at 28-12 and with the game now seemingly won, quick thinking from Keith Warhurst saw the ball spun out to wing Ben Perry who scorched his way to the line for another Thomas converted score giving Stockport a hard fought 35-12 victory.

This was a tough, tough game and Stockport were made to dig deep for the victory. Relentless defence from the visitors set the stall out for the victory, ably led by prop Jack Booth and back rows Galloway and Daniel Cockersmith. The Rushton boys of dad Graham being well supported by sons Tom & Joe were perfect relief from the bench and it was needed as we took a physical hammering, especially in the pack.

There were many options for MOTM, so much so that the award was given to both Cockersmith for an exceptional physical effort in defence as well as Thomas who's calm goalkicking relaxed the side at the right times.

We didn't have a DOTD which seemingly (fortunately) couldn't be shared between the yellow card duo of McCaughey and Warhurst (sounds like a dodgy American TV cop duo from the 70's) however I'm going to give a pre-emptive DOTD to coach Rouban Birch who declared after the game that he wouldn't be at training on Wednesday.......cos its Valentine's Day!!! Having asked if he was joking and him replying," have you seen my girlfriend" (I couldn't care less if she looked like Margot Robbie) DOTD goes to Birch for putting his girlfriend before rugby, his coaching responsibilities and more importantly the lads!!! Disgraceful behaviour!!!