‘Port leapfrog rivals into fifth
AVISIT to Ramsgreave Drive produced a bonus point win for Stockport, seven tries to three which meant the two cubs swapped league positions in the last match of the season.
The visitors started well, a superb break by back row player Simon Green, saw the Stockport left winger go over for a try, but the ref deemed the pass forward. This was a taste of things to come.
More Stockport pressure produced a fine pass to player/coach Dean Schofield who galloped over the line for the first try, ably converted by fly half Liam McGovern, 0-7.
Another good ‘Port phase with plenty of support runners and fine inter passing saw second row Dan Brotherton muscle his way over for another try, converted by McGovern, 0-14.
Although under pressure in the set scrum, Stockport were fairly dominant in all other phases and they were visibly growing in confidence, whilst it was the home side who were making the mistakes.
One such example was when Blackburn entered the Stockport 22 for the first time.
They were unable to throw in straight at their line out, allowing the visitors to clear.
More ‘Port pressure caused a high tackle on McGovern and a yellow card for the home side.
A driven line out from the penalty was stopped, but the ball was then moved swiftly to the left to see Dan Brotherton wriggle over for his second score, again converted by McGovern, 0-21.
A poor restart forced a high tackle by Stockport as Blackburn were held up, but were able to force their way over from the resultant penalty. The try went unconverted, 5-21.
From the restart ‘Port were able to move the ball quickly down the backs which enabled centre Josh Schofield to take the outside line and outpace the home defence for another score, converted by McGovern, 5-28.
Next a great kick ahead saw Rhodri Mayor fly hack forward at the resulting breakdown, which he successfully chased down for Stockport’s fifth try, converted by McGovern to see a 5-35 half time score.
The start of the second half saw Stockport understandably take their collective foot off the gas in the hot sunny conditions.
Two quick tries by Blackburn, the second coming with a pushover try from quite a few meters out, saw the home side narrow the deficit to 17-35.
Once this first twenty minute period was over, Stockport rallied again. The visitors had plenty of possession with some pressure being exerted as a result.
A ‘no arms tackle’ had the second Blackburn player enter the sin bin. Good ‘Port backs play saw them held up on the home side’s line, with the clearance kick then gathered by substitute Jack Wilson, whose speedy run ended with him just forced into touch at the corner.
Play was now fairly even, with both teams being guilty of making mistakes, but it was the visitors who finished the stronger.
More good back play by ‘Port, a great field kick into the corner, with the ball going right then left across the pitch allowed Mayor to use his pace and cross the whitewash, try unconverted, 17-40.
In the last five minutes a kick out of defence by Blackburn was gathered by scrum half Dudley Southern who passed to full back Mayor. He then executed a perfect kick ahead which he chased down brilliantly to secure Stockport’s final score and his hat trick.
The try was unconverted, giving a final score of 17-45 to the visitors.
This was a great team performance by Stockport, with special mentions for Josh Schofield, Rhodri Mayor and Simon Green. A resounding win away from home, against very good opponents promises much for next season.