MIKE ATKINSON

STOCKPORT’S character and determination secured a hard fought 3-5 victory at Waterloo on Saturday.

They travelled to Blundell Sands to face a side they have not beaten for three years and after a very hard fought game picked up the result they needed to return to second spot in the table.

After a very even first quarter, Stockport dominated possession and territory until the last 10 minutes, when they showed real character to hold out against some very determined pressure by the home side.

Both sides created chances they did not convert, both had difficulty securing their own line out and both defended well.

While Stockport dominated the territory, Waterloo proved very effective on the break, the scoreline was certainly a reflection of how close the sides were.

After defending a Waterloo line out five metres from their own line and a 50 metre clearance by Tom Eaton, Stockport mounted a good attack, with runs by Kieran Hibbs, Rory Austin and Simon Green but a penalty was conceded in the Waterloo 22.

Stockport took two scrums against the head and had a good 20 metre drive from a line out but again a penalty was conceded.

Finally, Stockport secured a kickable penalty but opted for the line out and another throw in went astray.

An attack of some 10 phases got Stockport over the Waterloo line but the referee judged there had been a knock on.

Waterloo finished the half strongly but the Stockport defence held out and were