Port outgunned in try shoot-out
Stockport’s man of the match was clearly Simon Currie as he was tireless in defence and effective in attack. Full back Rhodri Mayor made some very good jinking runs but Stockport were unable to secure all their own line out ball and were turned over in several good attacking positions.
The final result was a true reflection of the difference between the sides, although Stockport could have been closer if their final try well scored by Rory Austin had not been disallowed for an unrelated tackle off the ball.
The first half started well as Stockport prop Matt Lawrowitsch gained a turn over, but the passing in the backs left the ball loose and Manchester capitalised with an unconverted try following a quick tap penalty after only four minutes.
After a great movement by the backs Mayor was held up over the line and Jordan Pearson powered over from the scrum, McGovern converted and Stockport were ahead 7-5.
It was a good open game with both sides committed to attack, a Tom Gardner touch down was disallowed.
Following two penalties and a yellow card for the Manchester No 12 Stockport were able to capitalise and lost an attacking scrum.
A great run by centre Gearge Smith created a two man overlap but there was no pass and Manchester cleared. Manchester then knocked on with the line at their mercy before Stockport centre Josh Schofield made a good break and McGovern was stopped just short, the recycled ball gave Pearson his second try for 14-12 on 30 minutes.
Stockport created two more good chances but were unable to finish, Manchester got two tries, scored by their flanker and scrum half, in the five minutes before half time to gain a convincing 14-26 half time lead.
Manchester started the second half well with free running and good offloading, Stockport conceded a penalty to give the visitors an extra three points before they scored two more tries in quick succession, as a result of some poor Stockport tackling to get a 14-43 lead after 60 minutes.
More good running by Mayor set up a drive for the Manchester line and the visitors hooker was yellow carded but there was no score.
McGovern was yellow carded for lifting a leg in his tackle. Despite being a man down Stockport had a good drive from a scrum and the ball was moved left for Richard SackvilleWest to score for 19-43.
The Stockport attack improved in the latter stages and lock James Shaw got a try after a drive from a line out to make it 24-43.
The game ended with the Austin disallowed try and a yellow card for Sackville-West.
Next week is a home fixture against run away league leaders Vale of Lune, kick off at 2.30pm.