Sat 28 Mar 2026
Globe Holidays sponsored Stocksbridge Rugby claimed the spoils in a hotly contested local derby encounter with their nearest neighbours Wortley RUFC, eventually running out 29pts - 19pts winners in the Round 15 clash of the Counties 4 Yorkshire South competition. & all but wrapping up the runners-up spot in the league ladder.
With player/coach Aaron Kaye unavailable thru injury, there was an unfamiliar look to the Stocksbridge front row with regular hooker, Mikey 'vegas' Hartley transferring to the tight head & Jack 'milky' Martin installed as hooker, alongside George Watts on the loose head. Veteran flier Joe 'cockney' Jones was recalled on the flank & there was a rare appearance for the mercurial Ben Westby at outside centre.
In a blustery wind, which didn't abate all day Stocksbridge started well, & an attacking scrum gave No 8 'slammin' Sam Whitaker room to break on the short side, & the ball was re-cycled to flanker Reece 'diesel' Aspin, sponsored by Club Chairman Mr Phillip Watts, to plunge over from close range for the opening score, with the wind foiling Bowskill's attempted conversion. The home side enjoyed early territory & possession dominance, & it was no surprise when the in-form Whitaker picked up from a rock-solid scrum, & carry a couple of defenders on his back on his way to the first of a brace of tries in the game. Whitaker is sponsored by S&M Pipework Ltd. Bowskill, sponsored by Stocksbridge Fire Station beat the conditions & converted the score. Wortley fought back, & took advantage of a number of errors by the home side to breach the 'blue wall' & register their first try of the game. With the conversion successful, half time arrived with the score: Stocksbridge Rugby 12pts - Wortley RUFC 7pts.
The 2nd stanza became a scrappy affair with neither side able to establish or execute their game plans. Stocksbridge had marginally the better of the game & a visiting forward was shown a yellow card & a sin bin for delaying the speed of the ruck. Stocksbridge used their player advantage as an attacking line out, produced a forward's rumble, with that man Adam Frith feeding an eager Whittaker for his 2nd try of the match, converted by Bowskill to stretch the home side's lead to more than 2 scores. Again, Wortley refused to crumble & fought back with another well worked try, again converted by combative fly half Dagger. Prop George Watts was the next to see yellow, earning himself 10 minutes in the sin bin for a suspected gouge. The home side recovered & good possession gave the fleet footed Ben Westby time to throw an outrageous dummy & dance himself thru to the try line for the bonus point score. The gallant visitors just wouldn't lie down, & sensed Stocksbridge were hanging on, & scored their 3rd try of the afternoon after some below average tackling. The 2-score lead was restored when that man Adam Frith, fresh from celebrating his engagement crossed the white wash for a controversial score to finally seal the victory & crush the Wortley resistance. Frith is sponsored by E+J Landscaping. There was still time for fiery winger Staley-Howson & his opposite number to get to know each other at close quarters as the game drew to a close. Final Score: Stocksbridge Rugby 29pts - Wortley RUFC 19pts.
The Wilson Construction Man of the Match award went to skipper & 2nd row Andy 'clock tower' Beal for another trojan effort leading from the front. Beal, kindly sponsored by Mr Mick Gribbins has been inspirational throughout this season, & has been instrumental in the success of the team.
Player/Coach Aaron Kaye said afterwards, 'always happy with a win, & that we found a way to beat a tough opponent here today', before adding, 'we still have room for .improvement, especially around the basic skill & breakdown areas'.
The Victoria Motors Man of Steel for March has been announced as Mikey 'vegas' Hartley, who has turned in a series of impressive performances as he returns to full fitness following a troublesome ankle injury. He completed another full 80 minutes at prop at the weekend, without complaint.
Stocksbridge will enjoy an Easter break before returning to action on 18th April under the Humber Bridge when they visit Hessle RUFC, before the final home game of the season at the Coal Pit Lane Arena against champions elect Maltby RUFC on 25th April with a 3pm kick off time.
Written by Andrew Tyers
