After great preparation Stocksbridge started the brightest, enjoying early phases deep in Knottingly territory. The intense wind was tasking for both sides, and when the first mistake came Knottingly cleared competently and Stocksbridge now had to play from their own red zone.

Miscommunication at the line out increased the pressure on Stocksbridge, as they were bullied back toward their own line. The clearing box kick was charged down and Knottingly scored what would be their only try of the game. The conversion was made to make the scores 7-0.

Bridge then camped in the Knottingly 22 looking for a score of their own. Knottingly were struggling for a platform as they were avoiding going into touch and Stocksbridge were dominating scrum time. The Pigs were unfortunate not to register a score after the referee judged the ball to be held up after Ben Brown got across the line from a perfectly executed driving maul.

Knottingly failed to handle to physical pressure and eventually a back row was sin binned for repeated team infringements, and soon later another followed him for a high tackle. Stocksbridge sensed the need to score soon, but Knottingly held out until the half time break.

Knottingly rallied after the break with 13 men, and restricted Stocksbridge to possession in their own half until they were restored to the full compliment.

The introduction of Scott Bowskill at half time meant Stocksbridge could exit well and they began to play their rugby within sight of the try line once more.

Despite not capitalising against a depleted side Bridge trusted the forwards to deliver momentum, and Knottingly were unable to prevent Sam Whitaker (sponsored by The Business Hair Salon) from scoring from close range. Trusting the wind to bring the ball back through the sticks Bowskill converted to draw the sides level.

Bridge began to push for the win as Knottingly failed to get a foot hold in the game. Brown got over the line, again from close range, but was judged to have lost the ball forward. Despite having multiple attempts to score ruled out by the referee Ben Brown (sponsored by Sid’s Fish Bar) finally registered the score that would win Stocksbridge the game, blasting over on the fringes of the ruck.

Holding a 12-7 lead there was a tense finish to the game, as a series of penalties awarded in Knottingly’s favour saw them edge toward the try line. Whitaker would watch the remaining phases from the bin, as Stocksbridge looked to hold out with 14 men. And hold out they did, turning over possession on their own line to preserve the victory on the day.

Stocksbridge thoroughly deserved the points as they dominated the leagues highest performers across the 80 minutes, proving their worth in Yorkshire Three. The Man of the Match award was shared by Adam Frith (sponsored by Brian Mills Decorating Services) and Gary Woodcock, who made outstanding contributions from scrum half and prop respectively.

Match report by Michael Quinn