Kendal trip offers ‘Port cause for optimism

STOCKPORT Rugby Club played their first fixture under new player/coach Dean Schofield in a pre-season friendly away against Kendal on Saturday.

With their opposition in National 2 North it was always going to be a tough game – especially as the Kendal side were playing their last fixture on their old ground before moving to a new venue.

The game was played over 4 x 20 minute quarters and while it suited the larger Kendal squad, it meant that the final quarter was really a session too much for Stockport as they conceded three tries in that period to make the final score 41-12 to the home side.

Stockport started well with early pressure but were not able to convert two line out catch and drives into tries.

The first period of Kendal possession resulted in a try converted, 7-0 after 10 minutes.

Play was then fairly even and featured some good Stockport defence but there was a second try for Kendal, unconverted, to make it 12-0 after 25 minutes.

Stockport continued to play and, after a good break from fullback Rory Austin, an inside pass with good support play resulted in Jack Wilson going under posts, converted for 12-7.

Stockport defended well on their line, seeming to have gained possession, but the ball was stolen back and Kendal got their third try, the conversion making it 19-7.

The third quarter saw Kendal’s fourth try to make it 24-12 before a period of Port forward pressure, featuring a good passage of recycling, backed up with quick ball wide by the backs and Gareth Johnson squeezing over in corner. The try was unconverted to make it 24-12 at the end of the quarter.

Kendal added those three tries in the last period. There were many positive signs for Stockport’s young side and evidence of plenty to work on in training. A special mention for Joe Wilson who was playing his first game in four years (after a sequence of injuries), he put in some great tackles, and had a good all round game.

There were many other excellent performances, justifying the optimism for the forthcoming season, which sees Stockport meeting many of their old local rivals, including Wilmslow, Manchester and Burnage.

The first competitive fixture of the season is against Northwich away in the Cheshire Vase on Saturday.