Pride intact as ‘Port run Blackburn close

STOCKPORT ................... 15 BLACKBURN ................... 35

ABRIGHT start saw Stockport provide a real scare for high-flying Blackburn.

Port named one of their strongest teams of the season to face second in the league Blackburn. Tom Metcalfe returned and an unchanged backline looked set to test the Lancastrians.

Port began brilliantly and after some early pressure, Ewan Holt got the hosts on the scoreboard with a simple penalty. 3-0.

Without question it was Port’s strongest opening salvo and they completely dominated the first 10 minutes. There was real control and composure from the home side’s approach and Blackburn had very little to shout about.

Port were growing in confidence and a lovely line break from Si Green gave Rory Atwill the space to tear the Blackburn defence apart. Unselfishly a simple pass to Holt and Port were over. 8-0 (conv. missed). Blackburn were rocked and from the kick off, failed to make 10 metres, a real sign of Port’s early dominance.

Then potentially a game changing moment, Port were piling on the pressure and penalties were being conceded, giving Port a scrum opportunity on Blackburn’s 22. Unfortunately Port were pinged for not pushing straight and the change was gone.

This missed opportunity to really put the boot in gave Blackburn all the encouragement they needed to hit straight back. It was like poking the bear.

Blackburn were utilising their effective running game and punching more holes than in Lancashire in our defence. Port’s tackle count was once again double the opposition and for the most part stood firm admirably.

Blackburn were happy to run from anywhere on the pitch with quick ball and line speed being their real strength. Some good hands from right to left led to an easy score for the away side. 8-7 (try conv).

Blackburn didn’t need a second invitation and after more quick phases, with Port left wide open led to a comfortable score. 8-14 (try conv).

The second half kicked off and Blackburn were looking more assured. The pressure finally told with another score for the side affectionally known as Burn. Port’s chance of a victory was certainly flickering away. However, the battle hardened boys don’t give up that easily and after some more staunch defence, front foot ball gave a good attacking platform.

Then a picture postcard moment as substitute Ben Dearing clipped a beautiful cross-field kick to the onrushing Atwill who took the ball effortlessly and drifted past a bemused Blackburn defence. A try made with vision and quality. 15-21 (try conv).

Port had dragged themselves back into the match, having endured a tough period with no points for almost an hour. A losing bonus point looked within reach but Blackburn finished with a flourish and recorded two late tries to somewhat skew the final score in reflection of the balance of play. Final Score Port 15 Blackburn 35.

Despite the final scoreline it was a game which had promised so much from the early skirmishes and Port could hold their heads high knowing that they had pushed another top side to pull it out of the fire.

Some notable performances were Atwill, who’s explosive speed had Blackburn’s defence in a spin, Calum Owen for his composure under the high ball and Will Conner for solid line out work and some important bursts over the gain line.

This coming Saturday Port travel the short journey to Burnage looking to cement a top 6 finish.