Stocksbridge RUFC

A severely depleted playing squad were given no mercy by in form Leeds Medics & Dentists at the weekend, the ruthless students easing their way to a 70pts to nil victory. With just 16 players available & a full back line absent, Globe Holidays sponsored Stocksbridge Rugby had to mend & make do with the bare bones of a side. Although the visitors tried hard, they just could not cope with the pace & agility of the athletic home side, who pounced on just about every Stocksbridge error to rack up a commanding half time lead of 35pts to nil. Clock Tower Andy Beal went close for Stocksbridge before seeing the ball kicked out of his hands, & although Stocksbridge did enjoy some territory with Bowskill & the ‘big rig’ Roebuck kicking well, they were unable to breach the students defensive line. The 2nd stanza followed a similar pattern, Stocksbridge possession, Stocksbridge error, Medics & Dentists score, & the tries racked up. Skipper Adam Roles-Middlehurst suffered a recurrence of a shoulder injury & was forced to leave the field, & Reece ‘diesel’ Aspin was also forced off the field with a head knock. Probably a day to forget for the Stocksbridge club, although those who did play never gave up & Bowskill, suffering a thigh injury bravely returned to the field of play to help his team mates out. Stocksbridge lie rooted to the foot of the play off table & will be unable to achieve any of the promotion spots now. The Goodlad Contracting player of the match for Stocksbridge was the hard working back rower Ricky Rowett, kindly sponsored by Charlesworth Landscapes, with the returning O’Leary, Beal, Jack Spencer & Woodcock also showing up well. ‘it is what it is’ said Director of Rugby, Andy Tyers afterwards ‘to turn up against an inform youthful student side with our depleted ranks is only ever going to end up one way’ adding ‘the effort of the lads involved couldn’t be faulted & this will need to continue into our next match at the weekend’. Stocksbridge are at home this weekend looking to avenge a recent narrow away defeat to York based Nestle Rowntree, the kick off at Coal Pit Lane is 3pm, & entrance is free.

Three youngsters from the Club gained representative honours at the weekend, having been selected for Yorkshire Colts in a tournament held at Sale Sharks training ground in Carrington near Manchester. Aaron Kaye, George Robins & Oliver Fretwell all played well & will be looking for further selections in the coming weeks.

The big club news this week is the confirmation of the Annual Presentation dinner, to be held at the Manchester Road Clubhouse on Friday 13th May, with a 7pm start. Award winning comedian Lea Roberts is the host & former England International front row forward Jeff Probyn returns to the club as guest speaker by popular request. Tickets, priced at just £20 are now on sale from the Club & generous sponsors have already been booking tables. The advice is to get in early to avoid disappointment.