Rugby union: Stockport Senior Colts 54 - 7 Rochdale Senior Colts

Photo: Bruce Myers

Ben Hankinson with another strong carry

After last week’s introduction to the top flight with a hard-fought win over Warrington, Rochdale travelled to Stockport where they received a thrashing.

Stockport is the number one outfit in the North West and have threats all over the park. Rochdale’s back line was depleted due to injuries and unavailability which was going to make the task even harder.

From the off Rochdale were competitive up front and the lineouts and scrums were evenly contested. Both teams were trying to break through the middle of the field with strong carries.

Neither team could get the upper hand at close quarters and it was Stockport that adapted first when they started moving the ball into the wide channels. This proved successful and they scored a couple of quick tries.

With the quality of the opposition so high, any mistakes were punished to the maximum and despite Rochdale establishing a foothold in the game, Stockport’s counter attack thrived on these mistakes. A couple of loose clearance kicks allowed Stockport to return with interest and keep the scoreboard ticking over.

The half closed with the hosts 33-0 to the good.

It was a testament to Rochdale’s team spirit and work ethic that they didn't let their heads drop and the second half was a much closer affair. Rochdale kept the ball better and made several line breaks, dominating the third quarter.

Credit to Stockport for a great cover defence and the last-ditch tackles that denied Rochdale.

After another Stockport breakaway try, Rochdale finally got the reward their hard work had merited. Carries from Ben Hankinson, Ben Sunderland and Jacob Jackson got them to the opposition line where Olly Mills was on hand to cross the whitewash.

The final score of 54-7 flattered the home side somewhat. The margins between the two teams were not great, with the main difference being Stockport’s ability to convert opportunities when they arose.

Next Sunday (18 September) sees Rochdale welcome Wirral to Moorgate Avenue for what is bound to be another tough game.