From start to end they were out classed in every department, & given a lesson in how rugby should be played at a senior level if this is what Stocksbridge Rugby aspire to. Centre David Brown was passed fit just before the kick off, & Sam Turnell was added to the travelling squad for his first appearance of the season.

Stocksbridge Rugby had already beaten the probable champions at home early in the season & the Groves clearly had a score to settle.
The harsh fact is that Stocksbridge Rugby weren’t good enough on the day, & too many players had a disappointing end of season attitude & approach to this fixture. Starved of the ball for long periods of time & forced to defend throughout most of the game, it was almost one way traffic for the talented home side.

Stocksbridge Rugby never really got going, & conceded after just 3 minutes to set the ball rolling, more tries followed & a bonus point was earned by the home side after just 26 tough minutes of pain. A shoulder injury forced the early withdrawal of the ‘deepcar express’ Steffan Kazmierski, & soon after Ricky Rowett was withdrawn with a wrist problem to add to the Piggy’s woes. As the hapless visitors looked for the half time whistle, another score from the home side gave them a fully deserved 31 nil lead at the interval.

The second half followed the path of the first &, although Stocksbridge Rugby did win more ball, & ask some questions of the home sides defence, which were easily answered. More injuries to pack stars Whitaker (neck) & Aspin (calf) left the interchange bench looking more like a casualty ward, as the home side showed no mercy.

A final score of 78 –nil showed that for all the improvements Stocksbridge Rugby have made this season, there is still some way to go.
Centres O’Leary & Brown tried hard to no avail, & whilst no one gave up, Stocksbridge Rugby were 2nd best in every department. O’Leary took the man of the match award in a sombre dressing room afterwards. ‘We need to take this one on the chin’ reflected Head Coach Tyers, adding ‘Groves are a good outfit, & showed us respect today, but they were just too good on a Day when we weren’t up for it’

Stocksbridge Rugby will have the Easter weekend off to attend to their various bumps & bruises, & the Coaching Team will be looking for a reaction against Harrogate Pythons in their final home game of the season on Saturday 11th April, kick off is 3.00pm, & entry is free.
This final home fixture has been dedicated to the Club’s Sponsors, & Stocksbridge Rugby will host a reception after the game to thank them all for their generous support throughout the season, all sponsors are encouraged to attend.

Match report by Andy Tyers, Head Coach