Early lead is a false dawn

STRENGTHENED by the return of veteran second row Paul Ralph the Stockport pack once again put in a very good performance.

But it was the backs, through centre Alex Wilson, who made a good break and stand off Alex Rimmer whose jinking run from the 22 gave Stockport a try on 7 minutes.

Scott Redfern converted to give Stockport an early lead.

With a Redfern penalty added after 23 minutes Stockport had 10 points on the board but as the very classy Billingham backs, showing real pace and running great lines cut loose Stockport were unable to add to their tally. The home side scored 13 tries and with the kicker converting 7, the final score was 79-10. however Stockport as we have come to expect never gave up despite the superiority of Billingham

Stockport produced a very a competitive first half with a score of 12-10 to Billingham in the first quarter.

Good recycling by the pack and improved running by the backs were very promising but when Billingham had the ball their pace right across the back line gave Stockport very little chance, despite some spirited tackling.

The half time score was a very respectable 34-10 but Billingham dominated the second half to more than double their score.

Next week is a home game against Hull and it is hoped that Stockport will have some of their missing squad players back.

Thanks again to club man Jackson Davies for his action picture of the game on the club’s website.