Sat 21 Mar 2026
With time running out, Globe Holidays sponsored Stocksbridge Rugby just managed to edge out rivals Hallamshire RUFC with the help of a Scotty Bowskill penalty, to gain the points in a gripping Round 14 clash in the Counties 4 Yorkshire South competition. This 16pts - 14pts success cements 2nd place in the league ladder, with clear daylight between them & their 3rd place rivals.
Team selection saw Max Bevan restored to the front row, with fit again Reece 'diesel' Aspin starting on the flank. The Stocksbridge finishers bench was loaded with experience & youthful energy, including former captains Joe 'cockney' Jones & Adam Roles-Middlehurst.
The home side started the game on the front foot dominating possession & territory, & took the lead with a well taken converted try. Stocksbridge replied with a well taken Scott Bowskill penalty after a high tackle, which forced the official into issuing a general team warning to Hallamshire. More pressure from the hosts saw them breach the 'blue wall' for a 2nd time, before they were reduced to 14 men as a result of a sin binning for another high shot. Bowskill, sponsored by Stocksbridge Fire Station, was on target again with the resulting penalty. Half-Time: Hallamshire RUFC 14pts - Stocksbridge Rugby 6pts.
The 2nd stanza was a bit of a rocks & diamonds affair as first, Jack 'crazy feet' Spencer was yellow carded for a high tackle, shortly followed by Bowskill for dissent. Youngster Finlay Dodsworth, sponsored by Mr Tom Spencer, crashed over from close range to score, & Spencer redeemed himself by adding the conversion whilst Bowskill remained in the sin bin. Great defence from the visitors resulted in Hallamshire remaining scoreless during the 2nd stanza. Bowskill returned to the field just in time to kick the winning penalty & send the travelling supporters home with a hard-fought victory. Final Score: Hallamshire RUFC 14pts - Stocksbridge Rugby 16pts.
The Fox Catering Man of the Match award went to the hard-working Reece 'diesel' Aspin, kindly sponsored by Club Chairman Mr Philip 'donk' Watts. Aspin is back to his industrious best form, having fully recovered from a series of niggling injuries.
All roads lead to the Coal Pit Lane Arena next week for the mouthwatering local derby clash with near neighbours Wortley RUFC, kick off for this Fox Valley Trophy encounter is 3pm & a bumper crowd is expected.
Afterwards, a proud club captain Andy 'clock tower' Beal said, 'this was a grind, a tough no quarter given encounter against a determined & well drilled team', adding, 'Rugby isn't always a perfect science, but we found a will & a way to win today, & the boys deserve full credit for their efforts'.
After match entertainment in the Manchester Road clubhouse will be supplied by popular duo Reload from 9pm, all are welcome.
Written by Andrew Tyers
