Stocksbridge RUFC

Globe Holidays sponsored Stocksbridge Rugby travelled east to Livingstone Road on Saturday 13th December for the final fixture of 2025, taking on Hessle RUFC in Counties 4 Yorkshire South, with the lads making the journey together on a pre-Christmas coach trip.

Selection saw a welcome boost to the backline with the return of Jake “Bevs” Bevan, partnering Harrison “The Storm” Norman in the centres, while Calum Green and Jack Spencer took up residence on the wings and Tim “Turbo” Burton marshalled things from full back to give Bridge a strong looking back three. The bench had a youthful look with plenty of promise, including half-back Jono Burton, Jack James, Cole Stayley, returning forward Finn Dodsworth, Elliot Shaw, Mason Goldsworth and Aaron Kaye, showing the depth coming through the club.

Stocksbridge started brightly and were rewarded early when Scott Bowskill slotted a penalty after just three minutes following sustained forward pressure deep in the Hessle half. Moments later Bowkskill read the play superbly to intercept a pass but just couldn’t quite go the distance as scrambling Hessle defence hauled him down short. Continued pressure told soon after, with Bridge earning a 5-metre scrum. A controlled shove saw the pack rumble over the line for a textbook No.8 try from George Watts, sponsored by DR Binns Butchery, capping an excellent opening spell. The conversion drifted wide, but Bridge was deservedly ahead.

However, Hessle clawed their way back into the contest as Stocksbridge went a little quiet. The hosts crossed for their first score, missing the conversion to leave it 5–8, before Bridge switched off again just before the break, allowing Hessle in for another try. Another missed conversion meant the half-time score stood at 10–8 to Hessle, despite Stocksbridge’s strong opening 20 minutes.

The second half became a real arm-wrestle, with both sides struggling to build momentum and defences largely on top. Stocksbridge battled hard and showed plenty of grit, but it was Hessle who eventually found the breakthrough, sneaking in at the corner and adding the conversion to stretch the lead to two scores with time ticking away. Bridge wasn’t done yet and threw everything into one final attack, making a couple of line breaks, only for Aaron Kaye to be held up agonisingly over the line. As Stocksbridge chased the game from deep, Hessle won a late penalty for holding on, which was calmly slotted to seal the result and put the final nail in the coffin leaving the final scoreline at 20-8.

It was a disappointing end to the year on the road for Stocksbridge, who showed just how dangerous they can be in that opening quarter but couldn’t quite maintain it for the full 80. The desire and effort were there in spells, but Hessle simply wanted it more on the day. There’s plenty to work on over the festive break, and the new year offers a chance to turn the corner.

Man of the Match, sponsored by Mick Gribbins, went to Tim “Turbo” Burton, whose excellent work under the high ball, calm decision-making and dangerous returns kept Bridge in the fight throughout. Josh Kerr and George Watts also deserve mention for strong shifts up front.

After the game, club captain Bealy summed it up:
“We showed in the first 20 what we’re capable of, but rugby’s an 80-minute game. We’ll dust ourselves down, get lads back fit and come back stronger in the new year with a new attitude”

Stocksbridge return to action in the new year at home to Knottingley, where the lads will be looking to bounce back in front of their own supporters. Kick-off details to be confirmed, but get down early and get behind the boys as they look to start 2026 on the front foot.

Written by ALF