Cleckheaton only have themselves to blame for coming away from Stockport pointless, when a very competitive first half was overshadowed by an alarming lack of control in the second enabling a speedy Stockport backline to capitalise.

Cleckheaton started well with plenty of possession and in the 4th minute a chance to go in at the corner was lost. However, Cleck kept up the pressure and Nick Wainwright, making his league debut, showed his class in making a telling break centre field. Tom Lauriston continued the momentum and Wainwright was on hand to score a good try. Ross Hayden converted to give the visitors a confidence boost. Stockport hit back in the 12th minute when second row Graham Chenoweth drove over from short range. Matt Bebbington converted to level the scores. The scene now was apparently set for one of those 'games in the sun' when scores alternate as a result of both side's willingness to move the ball wide in excellent conditions. In doing so mistakes inevitably occur and in this particular case Stockport made fewer mistakes.

It was the visitors, however, who regained the lead when Ross Hayden kicked a penalty. Cleck looked good going forward but too often the ball was being lost at the breakdown, Stockport being more than willing to take advantage of the turnovers. In the 21st minute full back Steve Pearson once more came into the line to score on the overlap wide out. The score was converted by Bebbington who 10 minutes later missed with a penalty attempt.

The second half was a tale of more missed chances. In the 50th minute Cleck launched an attack which once more broke down in midfield. The eager Stockport backs broke upfield and Kiwi winger Tom Kelly, scored his first try for his new club. Bebbington converted once again and the omens were not good for the frustrated Cleck side.

Kelly completed a try hat trick with scores in the 55th and 61st minutes, one of which was converted, before Cleckheaton hit back with two excellent tries of their own. Firstly skipper Paul Turner drove over following good line out possession secured by substitute Tom Clough. Ross Hayden converted and 6 minutes later Nick Wainwright once more eluded a flat footed defence to create the space for winger Craig Blackburn to score in the corner. The conversion was missed but Cleck had showed what can be achieved from their talented back line. Stockport completed the scoring with 5 minutes to go with a penalty from full back Steve Pearson.

For the second week running Cleck failed to compete for the full 80 minutes. Set piece possession became more secure with the introduction of both subs Andy Piper and 18 year old Tom Clough who is likely to be a potent source of line out ball this season, but in general the pack were lethargic, often failing to string together sufficient phases of possession to create scoring positions.

On the day Stockport were the more clinical side and lessons can be learned from their ability to turn chances into scores. Despite the result the Cleck blazers were royally entertained off the field by a very hospitable Stockport committee who were determined to make the day enjoyable for all concerned whatever the result.