Wilmslow 17 Stockport 24

SATURDAY’S eagerly awaited derby match went the way of the side which made the fewest errors and which was a bit more clinical in finishing off their opportunities.

On another day, probably a drier one, it could just as easily have gone the way of Wilmslow.

As a spectacle for by far the largest crowd of the season so far, however, it was disappointing fare.

Six tries were scored, three apiece, all of them emanating from lineouts in ‘catch and drive’ positions.

Neither side ever had things their own way for long.

Wilmslow probably shaded the scrums, both sides lost a handful of throws in the lineout but Stockport were just that bit more secure in possession and had their noses in front on the scoreboard for most of the game.

Disappointed Wilmslow coach Rick Jones said: “I felt that we were the better rugby side, had more to offer than they did but made too many basic errors, which just let them in.

“Stockport though are a decent side this season and if you don’t take your chances and then drop the ball, they’ll just close the game down and punish you.

“We’ve now got to show that we can be better than this.”

Young North West Federation referee Ben Moore issued eight yellow cards, five of them against Stockport, and both captains were lectured more than once as to the conduct of their players.

The consequence was a frustrating stop-start game which just didn’t flow.

Stockport went ahead with a penalty try within 10 minutes but number eight Alex Taylor responded with a ‘catch and drive’ score after Bob MacCallum got them into range with a pair of astute positional kicks.

Wilmslow ended the half facing only 13 players but failed to add to their score at that stage.

Stockport started the second period with three points from Tom Eaton’s boot and another ‘catch and drive’ try for a 7-17 advantage with 30 minutes to go.

A period of pressure produced a touchdown for Wilmslow’s Tom Bull to keep the game in the balance.

Wolves then only had themselves to blame for spilling so much ball and giving the Stockport forwards the opportunity to rumble on for what became a second penalty try.

Wolves responded by trying to play their preferred expansive game.

A late surge produced a second touchdown from Bull, emanating from yet another close-in lineout but it was just too late to give Wolves another chance.