Searching for a win to spark a rise up the table Stocksbridge began the game strongly, taking advantage of early territory with a three point lead from the tee after the referee penalised Wensleydale for handling on the floor.

Wensleydale responded, finding success hitting the fringes of the breakdown with dynamic pick-and-go’s providing them with front foot ball. A scrum was later awarded in their favour in the Stocksbridge half, from which the Wensleydale number eight broke to the blind side and provided the winger with an open run into the corner for the games first try. A tricky sideline conversion was made as Wensleydale edged ahead 7-3.

A further three points was added to the tally for the away side before half time, as another penalty was nudged between the uprights after Stocksbridge were penalised for offside.

Stocksbridge were determined to get back into the game before the break, and good tactical kicking from fly half Scott Bowskill gave his side every chance to threaten with a score. And threaten they did, finding success of their own keeping the ball tight in the forwards. The try came when Pete Newton offloaded the ball behind the gain line to supporting player Michael Quinn (sponsored by S&M Pipework) who was able to drive over from close range. Scott Bowskill added the extras to level the scores early in the half.

Errors began to limit the fluidity of play from both sides, as fatigue in wet conditions saw that the ball was lost forward frequently. Neither side were able to capitalise as both boasted a solid scrum, winning their ball in each scrum respectively for the duration of the game.

Having got back on terms eagerness to gain a lead was the downfall for Stocksbridge. Two penalties at the breakdown close to the line allowed Wensleydale to reinstate their lead at 16-10 with ten minutes on the clock.

Stocksbridge played the remainder of the game in the opposition 22, turning down kicking opportunities for the chance to score the game winning try, but it did not come. The ball was lost in contact for the final time to see the game end with Wensleydale the victors on the road.

The pigs will be pleased with a losing bonus point on this occasion, but they are eager for a performance to put them on a winning run. Sam Whitaker (sponsored by The Business Hair Salon) was awarded Man of the Match for his brutish carries with ball in hand.