Sat 16 Nov 2024
With their playing ranks again decimated by a long injury list & the unavailability of key players, Globe Holidays sponsored Stocksbridge Rugby put up a gutsy performance against League Leaders Dearne Valley RUFC before eventually running out of steam & giving up their unbeaten home record, falling to a 32pts to 3pts defeat. With player/coach Aaron Kaye having to again delve into his playing roster, there was a welcome return for Lewis ‘eggsy’ Bowman in the front row, along with Jack Spencer, Jack Leary & Tom Kerr in the outside backs. In front of an expectant & sizable home following, Stocksbridge took the game to their opponents in the early stages & veteran goal kicker Scotty Bowskill, still available for sponsorship, swapped penalties with his Dearne counterpart before the visitors took the lead with a try after a Stocksbridge pass went astray. Stocksbridge matched the physicality of their visitors as the Match Official intervened with a yellow card for a Dearne player after a late hit. Half time came with the score : Stocksbridge Rugby 3pts – Dearne Valley RUFC 8pts, & more than a possibility of a glorious upset in store.
Sadly, it wasn’t to be, the gallant home side were unable to break the tough tackling visitors down, & Dearne rattled up 4 further 2nd half tries, including a full length interception effort, to seal a bonus point victory. Bowskill was warned about his tackle technique late in the game & suffered a dislocated finger in the process, to add insult to injury. Although the Stocksbridge team tackled well, & played with plenty of enthusiasm & effort, they simply ran out of numbers & steam, with a full time score of : Stocksbridge Rugby 3pts – Dearne Valley RUFC 32pts, sees Stocksbridge drop to 6th place in the Counties 4 Yorkshire South league ladder.
The Man of the Match award sponsored by Mr Mick Gribbins, went to the hard working, burly prop Gary Woodcock, sponsored by Valley Property Services, Woodcock is now delivering consistency in his performances & proving to be a handful for his opposite numbers in the set piece & his mobility around the field. There were plenty of familiar faces in the sizable crowd, who were impressed by the tenacity & commitment of this makeshift Stocksbridge team, & the signs are good for when the availability issues subside. Speaking afterwards, Club Captain Andy ‘clock tower’ Beal said, ‘I’m proud of the boys, they gave it everything they had, & never took a backward step against tough opposition’, before adding, ‘we need to take this attitude into the forthcoming matches, when hopefully, we will have more players available.’
Stocksbridge have another ‘bye’ week before the 2nd instalment of the Fox Valley Trophy on 30th November, when local neighbours Wortley are the visitors to the Coal Pit Lane Arena for a Round 9 clash, with a 2.15pm kick off. Wortley lead the 3 match series 1 nil & Stocksbridge will be looking to even things up & return to winning ways on their own home turf. Stocksbridge have an opportunity to begin to climb the league table as their next 2 fixtures, Wortley & Maltby both at home, are sides all within 1 point of each other.
Stocksbridge are looking for players to add to their roster, if you or someone you know would like to join, please turn up to training on Wednesdays @ 6.15pm or email stocksbridgerc@gmail.com you will be made welcome.
Written by Andrew Tyers
Match photos courtesy of Miss Jasmine Cluthers. Upcoming events information at the club.
