Head Coach Keenan was able to welcome back long-term injury victim Ricky James, sponsored by Wilson Construction, to bolster the front row, and there were recalls for Callum Green, Luke Gentles and Liam O'Leary in the back line. Stocksbridge dominated from the off, spending long periods in the visitors red zone, half backs Frith and Westby linking well between forwards and backs. The only surprise was how long it took for the home side to register some points.

Big Sam Whitaker, sponsored by S&M pipework, continuing his recent good form plunging over the line, after some good phase play from the forwards, with back rowers Newton and Aspin particularly effective. Halifax rarely threatened, and even in possession they were driven back by an eager Stocksbridge defence, keen to right some wrongs from the previous week. More and more territory for the home side, and an overworked Halifax defensive line conceded a penalty, and Scotty Bowskill, sponsored by Byron and Teresa Turner, slotted an easy 3 points to extend the lead. Despite further opportunities, Stocksbridge Rugby were unable to add to their points tally, ending the first half with 8 points to nil lead. This week’s half time team talk was a simple case of 'more of the same' in both offence and defence.

Stocksbridge continued to dominate both the set piece and loose play, Beal and the improving Woodcock making good ground with some hefty charges into the Halifax defence. The pick and go tactic was working to good effect and Pete Newton, sponsored by Mr Pete Lakin, was on hand to split the defence with some nifty footwork to cross the whitewash with Bowskill adding the extras. Scrum half and Captain for the day, Adam Frith celebrated his birthday with an excellent performance and at least two try saving tackles as Stocksbridge took their foot off the gas for a while. A simple Bowskill penalty calmed any nerves and pushed Stocksbridge Rugby further ahead.

The try of the match or even the season followed a searing back line move with Westby sending O'Leary through a gap, O'Leary then found Bowskill in support, and a well-timed final pass enabled whippet Callum Green to fly into the corner for a superb score, much to the delight of the large home following. Callum Green is available for sponsorship. Stocksbridge began to empty their bench giving Hartley, Christian and Wood valuable game time, and Halifax to their credit, refused to give up and scored a try of their own, in controversial circumstances as the scorer was clearly held up short of the line.

That man Frith, sponsored by Brian Mills Decorating, had the final say, crowning an excellent personal performance with the final, and bonus point score, a jinking individual effort from 40 yards leaving would be defenders in his trail. A final score of Stocksbridge Rugby 28 points - Halifax Rugby 7 points was a fair reflection of the game.

Birthday Boy Frith waltzed off with the Man of the Match award, sponsored by Brian Mills Decorating, with Westby providing an impressive contribution, in what was a much improved all round, team performance. This victory strengthens Stocksbridge's grip on the plate trophy, with three league fixtures remaining, two wins will now be enough to secure the prize, although Head Coach Keenan will be looking to win all their remaining fixtures. 'The lads have responded well in training, and the commitment from the squad has improved recently, with the promotion of some of the Development players proving a success too' he said afterwards.

Stocksbridge Rugby can look forward to a free weekend this week, in preparation of the crunch home fixture V's Thirsk Rugby, and the Clubs Annual Sponsors Day event on 9th March.