CLIVE OLDHAM

A SPIRITED Carlisle team succumbed to defeat at Headlands Road.

This game started off very like last week’s encounter, in that Stockport had very little possession during the first 15 minutes.

When the home side eventually started to get the ball, they looked purposeful.

A penalty resulted from ‘Port pressure, which enabled a good catch and drive, defended well by Carlisle, with a second line out ensuing, this time allowing Jordan Pearson to cross the line.

Converted by Tom Eaton, 7-0.

Following on from the restart, Stockport were soon in the visitors 22 again.

From a good scrummage, Richard Sackville-West came off his wing to score a nice try, again converted by Tom Eaton, 14-0.

The match was now end to end, but on 35 minutes Carlisle enjoyed a five minute period of pressure.

Stockport defended two catch and drives from consecutive lineouts really well, but when ‘Port were penalised again for going off their feet, Carlisle eventually scored a converted try.

It was now well past the 40 minute mark.

A great time to score for the visitors. Half Time 14-7.

Early after the resumption, Carlisle lost possession near the halfway.

Rory Austin was able to pick up the loose ball, and managed to release Joe Wilson down the wing, who showed great pace to outflank