A lingering layer of snow on the field set the scene for a bitterly cold encounter between two sides of similar styles. Playing down the hill in the first half, Halifax chose to play their rugby in the bottom corner of the field with Stocksbridge struggling to exit.

As the mud began to churn, the Vandals forwards began to challenge up front, and after identifying a miss-match on the fringe of the breakdown their second row thundered across the line for the games first score.

Immediately after the restart Halifax again launched the ball into the bottom corner, and the pressure continued. The Stocksbridge defence was admirable, but with handling errors and an unstable line out in the conditions Halifax were enjoying much of the possession.

A second try came to the home side after switching the ball out through the backs and attacking the top side of the field. Working the fringes once more, it wasn’t long before the made it across the line. The conversion was made taking the lead to 14-0.

Again the relentless pressure continued from Halifax, but this time the defence would hold. Superb efforts from Dave Potts out of position in the back row, and Ricky Rowett were especially physical in contact and prevented Halifax from scoring a third try.

Turning now to the tee Halifax added 6 more points before half time, giving Stocksbridge an intimidating target to chase in the second half.

Stocksbridge immediately took advantage of the slope that was now in their favour, doing as Halifax did and playing the ball into the bottom corner.

After some success of their own around the fringes with efficient pick-and-go’s, the scrum half Adam Frith (sponsored by Brian Mills Decorating Services) was able to snipe from the base and stretch to plant the ball on the try line. Although the conversion was narrowly missed, Scott Bowskill added three to the tally from a penalty soon afterward, the deficit reduced to 12 points.

Stocksbridge came within a losing bonus point after a second try was scored by Ricky Rowett (sponsored by The Gentleman Fox Barbershop) after he found himself on the wing and showed terrific pace to finish after a neat move down the blind side.

With a few minutes remaining the Pigs went searching for a third try to bring the scores level, however after a failed exit set Halifax found themselves close to the try line once more. Again, finding a mis-match on the fringe of the ruck they smashed over for a third and decisive try, taking all the points on the day with a 27-13 victory.

There were many positives on the day for Stocksbridge, most notably the composure to turn the momentum their way in the second half. Notable performances from Ricky Rowett and from Dave Potts, who was the games Man of the Match, made an outstanding contribution stepping out of the centres and into the back row.

Match report by Michael Quinn