It was an all too familiar nightmare start for the home side, as the speed of play allowed Medics to create a comfortable overlap on the right flank for the full back to take an early lead.

With Medics scoring again soon after, it appeared that another hefty defeat might be on the cards. Missed tackles up front meant it was all too easy for the supporting players to find their way across the whitewash, increasing the early deficit to 12 points.

Collectively the Stocksbridge lads steeled themselves, desperate not to succumb to a cricket-score loss in front of their own fans. They would not concede another point during the match.

Unable to match the pace out wide, Stocksbridge turned to what they knew best. Keeping the ball tight they began to test the Medics pack, “beat us at our game” was the challenge posed.

Soon the momentum began to swing, when skipper Pete Newton (sponsored by Ben Parkin Art) dived over the ruck to score from close range.

It wasn’t long before they again found themselves close to the Medics line, and there was no stopping substitute prop Joe Smith from adding the second try. Scott Bowskill levelled the scores from the tee.

Stocksbridge refused to let Medics get a foothold, playing a lot of the game in their half. In good field position a penalty to Stocksbridge was an offer too good to miss for Bowskill, nudging his side into a slender lead.

Bridge scored again before the break, going wide straight from line out ball Ricky Christopherson jinked and stepped inside before finding Ben Westby (sponsored by Willy Dunn) on the wing with an outstanding cut-out pass to score in the corner.

Going into the second half Stocksbridge new that a 10 point lead wouldn’t yet be enough, and continued to ask questions of Medics up front.

Two more penalty goals from Scott Bowskill gave them a more comfortable looking 16 point lead, yet when scrum half Adam Frith was sin binned for offside in the red zone there were doubts swirling round Coal Pit Lane. An outstanding defensive effort prevented Medics from adding to their haul for the day.

Once restored to the full compliment, Stocksbridge would add a fourth try to secure their first winning bonus point of the season. A poor clearance kick from the Medics 22 was collected by Westby, who found David Potts with a superb no-look pass on the loop to dot down.

In one final twist Stocksbridge were again reduced to 14, as Ben Brown was sent for a rest after raking at a player on the ground. As before, Stocksbridge displayed phenomenal work rate to keep out the most fluid attacking side in the league with a man down.

Firmly back in the dogfight for a place in the division next season, Stocksbridge will be looking to capitalise on what was truly a memorable performance this weekend. David Brown (sponsored by KB ltd) was awarded Man of the Match with a trademark defensive performance, as well as terrorising his opposite man with ball in hand.

Match report by Michael Quinn