Sat 2 Sep 2023
Globe Holidays sponsored Stocksbridge Rugby began their Counties 4 Yorkshire league season with a defeat away at much fancied Aireborough Rugby. The round one clash was always going to be a struggle for Head Coach Andhy Lawrence & his squad due to injuries & availability issues however, the team competed well for large parts of the game, & were well in the game trailing just 18pts to 7pts at the half time break. Some fine defensive tackling by youngsters Harrison ‘whiskers’ Norman & Dylan O’Keefe helped keep the home side at bay, whilst a good all round performance from bulky back rower Pete Newton, sponsored by Mr Andy & Shelley Bell, was rewarded with Stocksbridge’s sole try & that man Adam Frith was on hand to add the conversion. Frith is sponsored by Brian Mills Decorating Service. The larger home pack began to dominate during the 2nd half & they stretched the visitors defence to register further tries, resulting in a final score of Aireborough Rugby 37pts – Stocksbridge Rugby 7pts. Pete Newton was awarded the Fox Catering Man of the Match award for a busy game on both sides of the ball, whilst the game also featured a welcome return to 1st XV action from former Supremo Rhys Keenan, coming off the bench for a 20minute cameo. Whilst the result was disappointing, there was enough grit & resolve to give skipper Frith plenty of hope for the season, ‘it’s just one game’ he said, adding ‘we showed glimpses of what we’re about, with our training & game plan coming together in parts, so there is a platform for us to build on’.
Stocksbridge will have the opportunity to bounce back at the weekend with a winnable Round 2 clash against York RI at Coal Pit Lane, kick off 3pm, all are welcome.
Report Written by Andrew Tyres
