Stockport 16 pts Luctonians 24.

LUCTONIANS opened their National League North Two season in the best possible style with a bonus-point away win in Stockport.

Stockport stand-off Mark Edwards put the home side ahead with a penalty after four minutes but, straight from the re-start, an excellent three-quarter movement saw full-back Jimmy Norris put winger Drew Cheshire over in the corner for an unconverted try.

Two penalties from Edwards restored the Stockport lead and Luctonians lost lock Chris Jaques to the sin bin for not rolling away.

But the 14-man visitors responded quickly and, following another slick passing movement, centre Cameron Hewitt gave Cheshire a clear run to the posts for a try which fly-half Will Burton converted for a 12-9 half-time lead.

After having to repel early Stockport pressure in the second period, Luctonians eventually worked their way up-field for Cheshire to claim his hat-trick.

With the Herefordshire club’s pack in control of the forward battle, they increased their lead with a typical Paul Hulland try, the number eight forcing his way over when Luctonians resgained possession after losing a lineout.

Burton’s conversion stretched the lead to 24-9 but Stockport, who continued to press right to the end, were finally rewarded when flanker Dan Eccles breached the Luctonians defence to score under the posts. Replacement Alex Zavallis-Roebuck added the extras.

With eight minutes remaining Stockport’s lock-forward Jordan Pearson landed awkwardly after a tackle and suffered a broken leg which caused a delay of nearly an hour before he was stretchered off.

Stockport had to play the remainder of the game with 14 men having already used up all of their replacements and Luctonians held on without any serious pressure.