Sat 28 Feb 2026
A determined display to come back from conceding 2 early tries means that Globe Holidays sponsored Stocksbridge Rugby remain in the promotion hunt from the Counties 4 Yorkshire South Division. Other results mean Stocksbridge drop one place to third on the league ladder however, they are only 1 point behind Hallamshire with a crucial game in hand. Player/Coach Aaron Kaye was able to select from a strong squad for this must win Round 15 clash against Sheffield Medics, & after a long absence, Jack 'milky' Martin returned to the front row, & a strong 'bomb squad' bench including 'slammin' Sam Whitaker, Reece 'diesel' Aspin & George Watts would add some fire power when called upon.
After Bowskill missed an early penalty, the usually reliable 'blue wall' was breached twice as the students regularly threatened the home try line. Kaye himself, sponsored by Muscle Empire crashed over from close range to get Stocksbridge on the scoreboard. Bowskill, sponsored by Stocksbridge Fire Station added the conversion. With the powerful home pack dominating the students Sam Porter, sponsored by Applebys Industrial Fasteners, added a further score, with Bowskill again successful with the conversion attempt. Half Time: Stocksbridge Rugby 14pts - Sheffield Medics RUFC 10pts.
Stocksbridge lost the skill & class of player/coach Aaron Kaye with a suspected dislocated shoulder, but found the versatile Sam Whitaker an ideal replacement, as he continued his rich vein of try scoring form with a neat score just after half time. Whitaker is sponsored by S&M Pipeworks Ltd. Bowskill again converted to give the home side an 11-point cushion. Burly prop Gary 'pecker' Woodcock marred an otherwise impressive performance with some cynical foul play spotted by the official, resulting in a yellow card & 10 minutes in the sin bin. The visitors took advantage of their numerical superiority, & closed the gap after a defensive lapse allowed them a converted try. Bowskill wrapped up the scoring close to full time with a simple penalty to leave the final score: Stocksbridge Rugby 24pts Sheffield Medics RUFC 17pts.
Hard working flanker Josh Kerr, sponsored by Sheffield Refractories took the Victoria Motors Man of the Match award for a tigerish display on both sides of the ball, with Mason Goldsworthy running him close with his best performance in a blue shirt.
The Goodlad Contracting Man of Steel Award winner for February has been confirmed as Callum 'whippet' Green, kindly sponsored by Mrs Emily Green of The Business Hairdressers, Green has shown his versatility playing in a number of positions & his defensive contributions have saved countless tries for the club.
Club Skipper Andy 'clock tower' Beal said afterwards, 'we showed great character to force our way back into the game after their early scores', before adding, 'we have a decent run in now & if we can maintain our form, we should have a decent push for the promotion play offs.' The club is enjoying a feel-good factor with the players & supporters celebrating the victories together in the Manchester Road Clubhouse.
Stocksbridge will be looking for back-to-back victories when they entertain basement club Knottingley RUFC from West Yorkshire at the Coal Pit Lane Arena at the weekend, kick off time reverts to 3pm & all are welcome to support the team. The following week, 21st March, Stocksbridge travel to promotion rivals Hallamshire for a potential shoot out for the league runners up spot.
Written by Andrew Tyers
