Sat 22 Nov 2025
Globe Holidays sponsored Stocksbridge Rugby travelled to the South of the Steel City to face the students of Sheffield Medics on a brisk afternoon at Norton playing fields. Stocksbridge were looking to build momentum and keep pressure on the top end of the table.
With a few late un-availabilities and some shuffling of the pack, the returning Jake “Bev” Bevan and captain 'Clock Tower' Andrew Beal added welcome energy, while Adam “Rolesy” Roles Middle Hurst stepped into the starting XV before fate (and an elbow) intervened later on.
Stocksbridge came out firing. After just five minutes Rooney barrelled his way over for the opener, sponsored by Wilson Construction, though the conversion sailed wide. Medics hit back with a charge-down try of their own but also failed to add the extras.
Scott Bowskill, sponsored this week by Socksbridge Fire Station, nudged Stocksbridge back ahead with a well-struck penalty, and from there the Bridge pack took total control. A ferocious scrum shoved Medics backwards, leading to Wattsey charging down a kick on the line which Jake Bev sponsored by Mackenzie stock joinery pounced on, for his first try for the squad. Scott added the conversion.
The dominance continued as the front row steamrollered Medics over the line again, this time Sam Porter sponsored by Sam Porter sponsored by Applebys Industrial Fasteners grounding the ball for a classic forwards’ try.
Half-time: Medics 5 – 20 Stocksbridge
Stocksbridge tightened their grip further after the break. Another pair of penalties from Bowskill stretched the lead before disaster struck for Rolesy, who took an unfortunate elbow, left with a heroic bandaged head, and had to leave the field to warm applause from both teams.
Unfazed, the scrum kept bullying Medics, producing clean platform ball for Harrison the storm Norman to crash over. Scott couldn’t quite land the extras, but the scoreline continued to tilt heavily in Stocksbridge’s favour.
The final act came from some quick thinking: Wattsey tapped and went, feeding Andy “Bealy” Beal sponsored by Mick Gribbins who somersaulted over the line in trademark clock-tower style. Scott finished the day juggling the conversion over the bar.
Full-time: Medics 5 – 38 Stocksbridge
The Wilson Construction Man of the Match award went to Slamming Sam Whitaker sponsored by S & M Pipework Ltd, whose engine never stopped and whose influence was stamped on every big moment. Captains Comment – Bealy: “That’s the standard we want. Dominant up front, sharp in the backs, and everyone working for each other. We’re proud of the grit today and we delivered the game plan”
Next Fixture is where Stocksbridge are on the road again next week for a big Counties 4 Yorkshire South clash against top of the division Maltby. Kick-off: 2:15pm. Get down, get loud, and get behind the lads.
Written by ALF
