A converted try from the last play of the game denied Rossendale what would have been a well deserved victory over promotion contenders Stockport at Bridge Lane.

The Manchester side who were relegated from National Two North at the end of last season were rocked back with a try from Steve Nutt right from the kick off. Ryan McKibbin ran the ball back and with Danny Collins up in the support the back row forward put Nutt away.
Ashley Platt-Hughes struck a penalty for the home side but with the visitors beginning to 'turn the screw' at the set piece turn over ball moved swiftly through the hands brought at try for wingman Joe McCluskie.

A second penalty from Platt-Hughes narrowed the deficit but from a lapse in concentration Ben Marsland sneaked over for the home side with Platt-Hughes conversion affording a 13-10 lead for Stockport at half time.

Nutt levelled matters shortly after the restart with a penalty and with the Rossendale pack showing some good form and through great counter rucking from a Stockport line out James Bramhall put McKibbin over, Nutt's conversion affording a 13-20 lead coming into the closing minutes.

Unfortunately Marsland went in for his second leaving Platt-Hughes with a simple conversion to draw the match.

Geoff Lightfoot