MACC Lions travelled the short distance to Bramhall to face local rivals Stockport on a cool afternoon.

Expecting the usual quagmire the Lions were pleasantly surprised with the playing surface despite the recent rain but the hosts monopolised the early possession, the Lions defence ensuring they emerged unscathed. They gained some decent ball of their own as the game unfolded but it was Stockport who opened the scoring, two missed tackles gifting them a try. Almost immediately Stockport added an excellent second try, a conversion and penalty putting them 15 points ahead, before a scruffy try for Fowles brought the gap back to 10.

After a harsh team talk the second-half performance was much improved as the Lions ran in three tries, Keane, Coote and Kanauros touching down.

Macey converted all three and two penalties saw the Lions run out 32-15 winners.

Although disappointed at conceding an early lead the Macclesfield side were content with their response and a victory on the road.

Next week the Lions welcome Kendal to Priory Park, ko 3pm.