Stocksbridge RUFC

There's an old saying in rugby that 'you don't have to be in front until the end', which is exactly what Globe Holidays sponsored Stocksbridge Rugby did at the weekend, with 'ice man' Jono Burns converting big Sam Whitakers last play try to seal a sensational victory which confirms their runners-up spot in the Counties 4 Yorkshire South league ladder. Stocksbridge were greeted with a rare sunshiny, early summers afternoon on arrival under the Humber Bridge to face Hessle RUFC, & Head Coach Aaron Kaye was able to select from strength, including Jono Burns at full back, plus fielding a strong bench including Norman, Porter, Staley-Howson, Dodsworth & big Jack James.

It was the home team who started the game better, both with possession & territory, the visitors struggled to keep the ball, & were unable to clear their defensive lines. The unlucky Ricky 'rooney' James suffered a shoulder injury & had to be replaced by evergreen front rower Mikey 'vegas' Hartley. The blue wall was breached a couple of times to give Hessle an early 2 score cushion however, they lost a player when Burton fielded a high kick & side stepped the onrushing tackler, who's knee buckled & he has to be carried from the field. After managing to gradually get themselves into the game, from a rare attack flanker Josh Kerr was tackled too high & Scotty Bowskill, sponsored by Stocksbridge Fire Station got the visitors on the board from the resulting penalty. Hessle scored again & added a penalty of their own to bring the half time score to: Hessle RUFC 20pts - Stocksbridge Rugby 3pts, & some stern words required during the interval. 

Despite the scoreline, Stocksbridge were still in the game & a loose ball was pounced on by Harrison 'the storm' Norman who then outran the defence over a 50metre footrace to touch down. Jono Burns, kindly sponsored by Mr Julian Wilkinson kicked the first of his 3 decisive conversions & it was game on. Hessle threatened again, & only superb defence from Staley-Howson & skipper Beal denied them a try, they did cross the line again a few minutes later to restore their 3 score lead, but Stocksbridge produced a strong scrum & the ball was shifted to Norman who produced a bit of magic, chasing thru' his own grubber kick to collect & score under the posts, for Burton to convert again. A cheap penalty gifted Hessle another 3 pts to extend their lead again, but Stocksbridge could smell blood & after Porter got himself involved in a bit of a fracas, there seemed more energy & a belief that all was not lost for the visitors. The forward were dominating their opponents with young Jack 'unit' James & Dodsworth making an impact, captain fantastic Andy 'clock tower' Beal, kindly sponsored by Mr Mick Gribbins, was in the right place at the right to crash over from a deft Frith pass to give the vocal following supporters some real hope. Stocksbridge claimed some territory after a gouge on that man Frith resulted in a penalty, & with time almost up, another scrum win, provided the forwards with a platform for 'slammin' Sam Whitaker to plunge over the line to take Stocksbridge to one point behind with a kick to come from the final play of the game. Step up 'ice man' Jono Burns to cooly slot the winning conversion & crowning the bonus point try victory , sending the sizeable Stocksbridge contingent into raptures of joy. Final score: Hessle RUFC 28pts - Stocksbridge Rugby 29pts. 

The Victoria Motors man of the march award was presented to the 'iceman' himself, Jono Burns, sponsored by Mr Julian Wilkinson for a solid all-round performance & of course, those crucial match winning points from the tee.

We knew that we could win this game, even when we were 3 scores adrift' said a delighted Head Coach Aarn Kaye afterwards, before adding 'it was just a case of convincing the boys, who reacted perfectly during the 2^nd stanza, playing until the final whistle'. With Withernsea now withdrawing from the league, Stocksbridge will host newly crowned champions Maltby RUFC in their final Round 18 fixture, kick off at the Coal Pit Lane Arena is 3pm & all are welcome as entry is free. 

May 8^th is a date for your diary for the hottest ticket in town, as Stocksbridge Rugby will host their 2025/2026 awards night in the Manchester Road Clubhouse. The event is sure to sell out & at just £10 per ticket, members are advised to get theirs early from the Club. 14 awards are up for grabs this year, & a good night is sure to be had by all. The Clubs annual AGM will be held on the Sunday 10^th May starting at 2pm, so if you've got something to say, this is your forum to say it in.

Written by Andrew Tyers