Sat 11 Oct 2025
A bus trip to the East Coast to face Withernsea RUFC in a tricky Round 5 clash, turned into a seaside romp for Globe Holidays sponsored Stocksbridge Rugby as they returned with the spoils & a bonus point victory in an 8 try demolition of their hosts, a final score of Withernsea RUFC 22pts - Stocksbridge Rugby 51pts moved Stocksbridge up to 3rd place in the Counties 4 Yorkshire South competition.
Player/Coach Aaron Kaye selected himself at No 8 moving the versatile George Watts into the front row, Jack Spencer was preferred at scrum half, & veteran flier Joe 'cockney' Jones dusted off his boots for a rare appearance on the wing. The finishers bench contained a degree of youth & experience to back up the starting XV.
Stocksbridge started strongly, ripping in to their opponents, & an early score by Will Cuttell, his first for the club, sponsored by Tracey Cuttell + Steve Ward, set the scene for the eager visitors. Withernsea got themselves up & running with a try of their own, as they breached the travelling blue wall however, this was quickly followed by a first club try for rookie winger Oliver O'Keefe, with the conversion nailed by Harrison 'stormin' Norman, who is kindly sponsored by David & Jacqueline Lambert. Norman was on hand to touch down for the first of his brace of tries, & promptly added the conversion to extend the visitors lead. The home side threatened again, but the Stocksbridge defence held firm & turned the ball over right on the try line when a home score looked inevitable. Jack Leary received a yellow card & ten minutes in the sin bin for a deliberate knock on, which probably saved a try for Withernsea.
Norman converted a simple penalty to keep the scoreboard ticking over before talisman skipper Andy 'clock tower' Beal, kindly sponsored by Club Secretary, Mr Mick Gribbins, crashed over from short range for another Stocksbridge score, & a try bonus point sealed before half time. Norman added the extras before young Jack 'milky' Martin, sponsored by Asphalt Grid Systems, crossed from a well worked forwards rumble, to leave the half time score: Withernsea 5pts - Stocksbridge Rugby 32pts. With the game virtually over as a contest.
The home side started the 2nd stanza with a bit more energy & were rewarded with a couple of tries as the Stocksbridge defence went missing. Normal service was resume as Callum 'whippet' Green, scampered over the line after some enterprising back play. Green is sponsored by Mrs Emily Green at the Business Hairdressers. Norman again improved the scoreboard form a difficult angle. Improving youngster Archie Taylor crossed for his first Stocksbridge try out pacing the defence in a thrilling foot race to the line, & whilst the home side registered their 4th & bonus point try, 'The Storm' Norman had the final word with a try & goal of his own for a personal total of 21pts, as the visitors passed the half century of points, & a final score of: Withernsea 22pts - Stocksbridge Rugby 51pts.
In an all-round excellent team effort, the Bradfield Brewery Man of the Match award was presented to evergreen skipper Andy 'clock tower' Beal, currently in a rich vein of form, but he will be the first to acknowledge a total team effort from the travelling squad. He said afterwards, 'this was a top team performance from every one of the boys, we're putting our training into actions on the park, & it feels good', before adding, 'the young lads are stepping up to the plate as the more experienced players are laying the platform'. There was also a message of thanks from the players to the sizable following from Stocksbridge who must have enjoyed watching their heroes putting on a fantastic display.
Next up for Stocksbridge is a home clash with old foes Hessle RUFC, who visit the Coal Pit Lane Arena at the weekend in a Round 6 fixture, where Stocksbridge will be looking for back-to-back wins, kick off is 3pm & entry is free.
Off the field, the October 100 Club draw was won by Mr Pete Windle £100 No 6, & Mr Gary Caine £25 No 30. Congratulations to both winners.
Written by Andrew Tyers
