Sat 4 Oct 2025
A successful penalty goal in the dying seconds of the game condemned Globe Holidays sponsored Stocksbridge Rugby to their 2nd home defeat of the league campaign, going down by just 10pts to 7pts against visitors Maltby RUFC in Round 4 of the Counties 4 Yorkshire South competition. Stocksbridge will have to be content with a losing bonus point from a game played in a gale & torrential rain at the Coal Pit Lane Arena. Player/Coach Aaron Kaye was able to recall Jack 'milky' Martin at hooker, along with regular half back pairing that man Adam Frith alongside veteran goal kicker Scotty Bowskill, there was also a long overdue return of back rower Tom Spencer from the bench with evergreen winger Joe Jones & newcomer Archie Taylor listed amongst the finishers. A tight first half, with not much to choose between the teams, & no real try scoring opportunities to shout a about, plus a narrowly missed penalty attempt by Bowskill brought the half to a scoreless close : Stocksbridge Rugby nil - Maltby RUFC nil.
The visitors brought their usual brand of aggressive & abrasive rugby however, skipper Beal & his troops went toe to toe, & the blue wall stood strong against any attempts at intimidation. There was some play in the 2nd stanza & the visitors registered a converted try after a Stocksbridge defensive lapse. Typical of this group of 2025, they roared back & classy centre Harrison 'the storm' Norman, sponsored by Mr/s David + Jacqueline Lambert, was on hand to receive the final pass after a sweeping offensive play from the home side. Scotty Bowskill, sponsored by Stocksbridge Fire Station, drew the scores level with a fantastic conversion against the elements, & a draw looked the most obvious result. The visitors were awarded a penalty with time almost up, & they converted it to take the points, much to the disappointment of the home team & supporters. Final Score : Stocksbridge Rugby 7pts - Maltby RUFC 10pts.
Stocksbridge now drop to 5th in the league ladder, & will be hoping for better weather & a better result when they travel to the East Coast to face Withernsea RUFC in
Round 5, next Saturday. There is a supporters bus with seats still available, enquire at the Clubhouse.
The Goodlad Contracting Player of the Match award went to Andy 'clock tower' Beal who was a constant thorn in the Maltby team's side throughout the game, leading by example. Beal is kindly sponsored by Club Secretary Mr Mick Gribbins. Speaking after the game, Beal said, 'I'm proud of every one of our squad here today, we stood together against a very aggressive & intimidating Maltby side without taking a backwards step.' before adding, 'they know they've been in a real scrap, today & they also know they were lucky to escape with a win. We'll be looking to bounce back next week.'
Septembers Wilson Construction Man of Steel has been awarded to the experienced back rower Reece 'diesel' Aspin. Sponsored by Club Chair Mr Philip Watts, Aspin has made a successful recovery from a nasty foot break, & has resumed his hard work & graft mainly at the bottom of the breakdowns, A real example to the younger members of the playing roster.
Written by Andrew Tyers
