Luctonians capitalise on Stockport mistakes

A number of Stockport errors allowed the Luctonians to claim their third National League Two North victory as they ran out 34-11 winners at Headlands Road.

Centre Alex Smith crossed over after a terrible mix up on Stockport’s own try line to help the visitors into a 7-3 half-time lead.

Stockport were quite clearly the better team after the break and took the lead as Jamie Anthony powered over on his return to 1st XV action.

But seven minutes later it all fell apart for Stockport as Luctonians scored four tries through Ashley Horner, Brett Prior, Will Burton and Daniel Smith in the remainder of the game to earn their side the win.

Good kicking from Geraint Langdon kept the points ticking over for the Herefordshire outfit with Stockport’s other points coming from two Josh Longmore penalties.  

"We were decent in a couple of parts today, but there were too many errors and turnovers and we gifted them three tries," said coach Matthew Bebbington.

"21 points were given to them without them actually having to work hard to get over the line. Individually the players have to learn from what they did well and what they didn’t do well.”

"The lads are disappointed, but there are 22 to games left and you have to take the rough with the smooth.

"It will be a test of character in the next games leading up to Christmas and I’m sure they will respond in the correct manner.

"We are by no means giving up. There is no lack of effort from the team, its just critical moments that are costing us."

Bebbington described last weekend’s defeat to Harrogate as his most "difficult" day he has been involved in since being part of Stockport Rugby Club and this defeat today will probably hurt just as much due to the manner in which they lost the match.

The Luctonians’ had three tries gifted to them, but having said that, the pace of Horner and Alex Knight was blistering, but ultimately, it was the home sides mistakes that helped the visitors on their way.

Stockport were brilliant in the opening 40 and kept hold of the ball for longer periods of the game, made good line breaks and could’ve had two tries  in the opening 20 minutes but just got caught with the ball.

Longmore pinged over a penalty on 18 minutes and the Red, Green and Whites were looking comfortable, but a stream of errors contributed to the Luctonians first try of the match.

Knight exploded down the right hand side and looped a pass over to Burton. His pass was then intercepted by Port who threw it backwards behind their own posts.

Then a mistake on the try line with two players not being able to gain firm control on the ball invited Smith to go over to give the Luctonains a lead which didn’t really merit their first half performance.

Stockport came flying out the blocks in the second period and arguably went through their most phases of the season in the first 10 minutes of the half.

Anthony, on his return to the side after a lengthy hand injury, went close before Elliot Fletcher was denied  after being taken into touch. A try seemed like it was coming.

Port’s try did finally arrive when the impressive Anthony darted through a gap to get over the line after great pressure from Stockport on a Luctonians line out.  

Luctonians then regained the lead via the boot of Langdon, and they then increased their advantage when the replacement Horner touched down on 58 minutes as Stockport were punished after making a mistake when trying to play their way out of their own 22.

Longmore then reduced the points deficit to 11-15 with a penalty of his own. Bebbington and the rest of the Stockport bench glanced at the scoreboard as the ball sailed over, but unfortunately that was as good as it got for the hosts.

Prior got his try moments after the Stockport penalty. After a good breakdown from the lineout, he exploited gaps in the Port defence and went over the line unchallenged.

For the Luctonians fourth try, Knight was at it again and his speed got him away from two Stockport defenders and he managed to float a ball to Burton for the Luctonains to score in the corner with seven minutes to go.

And in the final play of the afternoon the hosts were turned over once again in their own 22 after a quick lineout and the skipper Smith dived over next to the left post to earn his side a vital victory.

Port played well in large spells but unfortunately, at this level, you get punished. Luctonians were gifted 21 points without really creating much and you got the sense afterwards that Stockport were disappointed and deflated, but there are still 22 games to go.

What is clear is that there certainly is no lack of commitment or desire from every individual in the side and they definitely have the character to produce a positive response next weekend.

Stockport travel to Stourbridge next Saturday. Kick-off 2:15pm.

Stockport: J Edwards; Cantwell, G Smith, J Anthony, Fletcher; Longmore, M Edwards; Eccles, Baldwin, Marsland; Hopkins, Roddy; Mitchell, Millea, Fuller (capt).

Replacements: Nicholson, Graham,  K Hibbs, S Green,  Tennuci.

Luctonians: Doyle; Knight, Langdon, A Smith, Norris; Burton, Williams; D Smith (capt), Cheshire, Hackley; Kelly, Cheasley; R Jones, M Jones, Watkins.

Replacements: Horner, Bernand, Dima, Rumsey, Prior.