KNUTSFORD Rugby Club suffered a disappointing defeat away at Stockport on Saturday.

In a close game, Knutsford failed to capitalise on their early lead and allowed the opposition back into the game.

However, the players were not too despondent because they continue to improve and learned hard lessons from the game.

Their spirit was typified by the heroic performance of man-of-the-match Jan Siwek.

"Big Jan has been with the club since it's formation but was struck down by a life-threatening illness last year," said captain Gareth Walton.

"To see him recover to even play again, never mind get man-of-the-match, was unbelievable. Knutsford dominated in the first quarter and set up JPR Selby and Richard Lockett in the backs to run in a try each.

But then the Blues had two costly lapses in concentration that Stockport exploited to cross their line.

In the first, poor defence of a back row move led to a try and later Knutsford were caught napping by a quick penalty.

In the second half the Stockport fly half orchestrated their back line to produce two more tries.

Knutsford never gave up but could only manage a penalty from the boot of scrum half Ollie Mooney.

This Saturday Knutsford 1st XV will be away at Marple while the 2nd XV will play at Birches Head, Stoke.

Both kick offs at 3pm. Training takes place at 6.30pm on Wednesdays on the home pitch at Egerton

Youth Club, Mereheath Lane.