Bradfield Brewery sponsored Stocksbridge Rugby left it late to snatch a victory over stubborn opponents Burley Rugby from Leeds, grinding out 14 points to 13 points win at a wet and windy Coal Pit Lane at the weekend.

The home side were clearly dominant however, discipline was again an issue with too many unforced errors leading to penalties, and a loss of good attacking position to frustrate the on-looking Head Coach Keenan.

Veteran centre Ben Senior, sponsored by Fox Catering was drafted in for a rare appearance and showed glimpses of his former abilities. Stocksbridge Rugby took the lead in the 10th minute after some sustained pressure, from an attacking scrum, skipper Ricky Rowett picked up and drove for the try line. As he was help up short, a muscular assist from scrum half Frith was enough to seal the score, and Bowskill succeeded with the conversion.

Some paper-thin defending allowed the visitors to respond soon after with a try of their own, and another penalty for offside was converted to leave the half time score Stocksbridge Rugby 7 points – Burley Rugby 8 points.

A pretty even 2nd stanza saw Stocksbridge defending stoically for 20mins or so, until a breakaway try gave Burley a 6 point lead with time fast running out. There is a bit more steel in this Stocksbridge squad these days, and a never say die response as Whitaker retrieved the restart to set up a pick and go phase that eventually prized the visitor’s defense open and Rowett was again on hand to cross the line under the sticks for Bowskill to seal the win with almost the final play of the entertaining game. The Man of the Match award went to the hard-working Sam Whitaker, with Pete Newton’s defensive efforts also a stand out performer.

Piggy’s supremo Keenan knows that his charges will need to improve if they are to maintain their grip on top spot in the Plate Competition, with their next fixture being a tricky and long trip away to Thirsk Rugby on Saturday. ‘We ground out a win in difficult conditions against a stubborn opposition’ said Keenan, adding ‘we have our destiny in our hands, and we are determined to win some silverware for the Club this season.’

Ricky Rowett is sponsored by MD Wright Machinery Removals Ltd, Scott Bowskill is sponsored by Mr Byron and Mrs Teresa Turner, Sam Whitaker is sponsored by S&M Pipeworks