Sat 18 Feb 2023
Globe Holidays sponsored Stocksbridge Rugby made the trip to Humberside, to take on Hessle in the foothills of the scenic Humber Bridge, & came out on top in a 12 try thriller, eventually winning by 48pts – 33pts. Stocksbridge were able to include Reece ‘diesel’ Aspin in the back row, whilst Jordan ‘spud’ Fletcher kept his starting spot in the engine room. Paul Kelly returned to partner that man Adam Frith in the halves, & the back line had a youthful look to it with teenagers Harrison Norman & birthday boy Logan ‘whiskers’ Hannah on the flanks. John Saddington also made a welcome return at full back. Hessle provide a big rumbling pack, with a simple but reasonably effective game plan based around possession, but Stocksbridge were more than able to counter this with ‘clock tower’ Andy Beal, Gary Woodcock & Fletcher more than matching the hosts. The visitors struck first with Beal, sponsored by Mr M Gribbins, latching on to short Pete Newton pass to take a couple of defenders over the try line with him. Jack Pearson, sponsored by Hamshaw Plumbing, adding the first of his 5 successful conversions for the day. Fletcher, sponsored by Club Chairman, Mr A Bell, was next on the score sheet crashing over from close range after further good work from the dominant Stocksbridge pack. Despite a fantastic try saving tackle from John Saddington, Hessle were on the scoresheet themselves soon after, when the visitors failed to deal with a loose ball however, Pearson nudged Stocksbridge further ahead with a simple penalty after a ruck offence by the home side. Despite a further score for Hessle, Stocksbridge replied with the try of the day as a break by Jack Spencer, was supported by Newton & then Beal, the ball was recycled thru that man Frith & shipped along the line for young flyer Logan Hannah to round the full back for an excellent score. Stocksbridge kept the pressure on & were rewarded close to half time when the hard working Pete Newton, sponsored by Mrs M Bell finished off some good go forward as Andy Lawrence’s game plan was followed & paid dividends. Half Time : Hessle RU 14pts – Stocksbridge Rugby 29pts.
Stocksbridge, playing with some confidence & style, opened the scoring early in the 2nd stanza with the ‘clock tower’ Beal bagging his 2nd try of the day, hitting a gap in the Hessle defence from a deft pass by Newton. Despite a couple of opportunist tries from the home side, Stocksbridge were always controlling the game & were comfortable with a 3 score lead. Jet heeled youngster Harrison Norman squeezed in for a try in the corner after unselfish work from Kelly, & Aspin. Spencer broke free after a pass from Kelly, but failed to see the supporting Pearson & a try went begging however, there was still time for John Saddington, sponsored by Mr N George, to complete the try scoring & an impressive personal performance picking a nice running line thru a tiring defence. With the cue in the rack & a bonus point victory secured, Stocksbridge seemed to switch off just before the final whistle, allowing Hessle to score their 5thtry. Final Score : Hessle RU 33pts – Stocksbridge Rugby 48pts.
This impressive win on the road now gives Stocksbridge some daylight from Nestle Rowntree in 7th place in the Yorkshire 4 Counties league ladder, & with many outstanding performances the Goodlad Contracting Man of the Match award was presented to youngster Harrison Norman for a complete performance & a try to boot. Beal, Newton, & Aspin stood out in the forwards as did Frith, Pearson & Hannah in the backs. Head Coach, Andy Lawrence was pretty pleased with his troops & their display as he said ‘ we are improving with every game, & the hard work in training is paying off in the execution of the game plan ‘. These sentiments were echoed by Skipper Adam Frith as he declared ‘ to put nearly 50 pts past a team away from home is something we should celebrate’. Stocksbridge Rugby will be looking to build on their efforts this week, with a re-arranged home clash against bottom club & win less Knaresborough, kick off is 2.15pm at Coal Pit Lane & entry is free.
Match Report Written by Andrew Tyers
