Stocksbridge RUFC

Globe Holidays sponsored Stocksbridge Rugby travelled away to league leaders Maltby on Saturday for another tough battle in the Counties 4 Yorkshire South competition. The weather was very wet and muddy underfoot,

With several injuries and unavailability’s forcing a reshuffle, Stocksbridge fielded a re-jigged side. Flanker Josh Kerr stepped into the midfield alongside Harrison, Archie Taylor earned a start on one wing with Elliot Shaw on the other side, and Luke Gentles slotted in at full-back.
The back row saw the youthful energy of Jack James, Sam Porter, and George Watts, while Finn Dodworth made his first appearance of the season from a depleted subs bench.

Stocksbridge started steadily, however Maltby defended the slope early on and keeping Stocksbridge honest in the opening exchanges. The hosts missed an early penalty before eventually breaking through for a try, though they pushed the conversion wide. Another Maltby score followed — again unconverted — but Stocksbridge kept their composure. Will Cuttell had to leave the field early in the match after sustaining an injury to his bicep.

With penalty advantage coming, Adam Frith, sponsored by E & J Landscaping, coolly slotted a tidy drop goal to put Stocksbridge on the board at 10–3. A late Maltby try nudged the league leaders further in front, giving a half-time score of 17–3.

Playing up the slope with mud swallowing boots and momentum, Stocksbridge found themselves pinned for long spells in the bottom corner of the pitch. Yet the effort from the lads never dipped — the defensive sets from Beal, Woodcock, and Whitaker in particular showed real character, especially defence work in the driving mauls.

Maltby, powered by a fortunate afternoon for their No. 8, squeezed through six unanswered tries as the conditions increasingly favoured the home side. Despite the scoreboard, Stocksbridge battled to the final whistle, digging in and showing pride in the shirt throughout.

The match finished 53–3, but the attitude remained exactly what the coaches want to see going into the Christmas period. The Wilson Construction man of the match was awarded to the storm Harrison Norman sponsored by David & Jacquline Lambert for a fearsome display in hard conditions and circumstances.

Coach’s Words from Aaron Kaye, “The lads grafted all afternoon. Conditions, slope, and injuries were against us, but the effort never dipped. There’s a lot we can build on — this group keeps showing heart.”

Stocksbridge are at Home next weekend where they host and entertain  East Coasters Withernsea. The next kicks off at 2:15pm at Coal Pit Lane, get down and support the lads as they push on through the remaining two fixtures of 2025.

The end of November Enzygo Man of Steel Award goes to Will Cutell sponsored by Tracy Cuttell & Steve Ward, for his commitment and strong displays in the front row. The club would also like wish Will a speedy recovery with his injury obtained in the Maltby fixture.

Christmas Jumper Day will take place on 21st December, always a cracking afternoon at the club. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Written by ALF