Senior Colts in last 16 of National Cup

Stockport Senior Colts moved through to the last 16 of the National Cup after an intense game at Cheshire rivals Caldy.
With a strong breeze and plenty of rain blowing straight down the pitch the home side made first use of the conditions and took the game to Port with some powerful carries, however it was Port who took the lead after some strong drives from the pack saw the ball go through every pair of hands in a brilliant move that saw wing Oliver Wakefield go over in the corner.

Caldy hit back almost immediately with a converted try after some poor defending. Port then regained the lead with a typical Daniel Robinson break from 35 metres out that saw him sprint away from the cover to see the score go to 5-10 after the conversion drifted wide. Caldy then went in to the break all square at 10-10 after a well struck penalty.
The second half started in fairly benign conditions after winter seemed to enjoy its own half time break and it was the home side who came flying out of the blocks with a scrambled try on the Port line after the Stockport lads failed to deal with a long kick off that eventually saw the ball hacked through for a converted try to see the home side into a 17-10 lead.

It was now to be a test of Stockports charachter as the home side suddenly realised the game was there for the taking but resolute defending on both sides nulified most attacks. With 10 minutes left on the clock, Stockport finally found a gap in the Caldy defence when No 8 Isaac Deans found space wide on the right and powered his way over the line, leaving two defenders flailing. Jake Pennington then added the extras to see the game go into the last 10 minutes all square. Port knew all they had to do was keep the home side out and they were through by virtue of having scored one more try. The home side as to be expected threw the proverbial kitchen sink at the Port line for the last few minutes and with the last play of the game saw them almost do it only for Skipper Daniel Robinson to somehow appear with the ball at the back of the ruck where he then planted the ball firmly in to the next postcode to see Stockport into the last 16 in a tie that neither team deserved to lose.
This was cleary one of the toughest games some of the lads had played in and the respect between the sides at the end was clear for all to see.
Whilst Stockport were elated you had to feel for Caldy who gave it all and went out by the narrowest of margins. Good luck to all the Caldy Coaches and players who were as always great company after the game.

Port now move into the last 16 where we believe we will be facing Newport Salop.