Sat 13 Apr 2024, 14:30
Globe Holidays sponsored Stocksbridge Rugby received a massive blow from the YRFU disciplinary with the news that Head Coach, Andy Lawrence is to receive a ban of 17 weeks after being found guilty of Match Official Abuse. The original sanction of 12 weeks, was increased due to previous conduct & newly introduced RFU judiciary guidelines, effectively ruling him out of any Coaching at the Club until December, 3Mths after the start of next season !! ‘it’s very harsh’ said a Club Official, adding ‘we feel that we are being made an example of, & we will launch an appeal against the severity of the ban’.
With the league campaign now over, & Stocksbridge finally clawing their way off the bottom of the Counties 4 Yorkshire League ladder, there was a touring fixture to entertain the members at the Coal Pit Lane Arena, sponsored by Premier Stone Worktops Ltd over the weekend. Somerset based Midsommer Norton provided the opposition on their Northern Tour, & an entertaining contest was won by the home side by 44pts to 19pts. 1st half tries by ‘clock tower’ Andy Beal, kindly sponsored by Mr Mick Gribbins, veteran playmaker Ricky Christopherson, that man Adam Frith, sponsored by Bob Mills Painters & Decorators, & youngsters James Christopherson & Joe ‘milky’ Martin, sponsored by Asphalts Grid Systems, plus a conversion by skipper Frith, gave Stocksbridge a healthy half time lead of 27pts to 12pts. Further 2nd half tries from promising three quarter Jack Leary, evergreen place kicker Scotty Bowskill & George Robins, with Bowskill converting his own try after serving a sin bin period for a deliberate knock on whilst trying to intercept a pass, gave the home team a comfortable victory. This week’s Uniblock Man of the Match went to young starlet Harrison Norman who continues to shine, & is reportedly on the radar of some higher status clubs of both codes !! A final score of Stocksbridge Rugby 44pts – Midsommer Norton RUFC 19pts, sent everyone off to the bar in a good frame of mind. Club legend Dave ‘franny’ Francis & returning hooker Mikey ‘vegas’ Hartley also laced the boots on for a cameo performance, turning the clock back.
Tickets are selling fast for the Club’s Annual Awards event to be held at the Manchester Road Clubhouse on Friday 26th April, & all members are politely reminded of the AGM the following Day at 2.00pm, & asked to attend.
Report written by Andrew Tyers
