With most Rugby fans glued to the Finals of the Rugby World Cup at the weekend, the YRFU gave the Yorkshire 4 Counties League the weekend off to enjoy the climax of the tournament. A bye week is also scheduled for Stocksbridge Rugby for next weekend however, the club, sponsored by Globe Holidays are still trying to confirm a home friendly fixture with recently reformed Maltby Rugby, looking for a 2.15pm kick off at Coal Pit Lane. The enforced lay off has allowed some of the club’s injured players further time for recovery, with some encouraging news for Head Coach Andy Lawrence. In form back rower Pete Newton has a scan booked for his knee injury, but the results of an initial consultation seem to indicate cartilage damage rather than the dreaded ACL injury the Club originally feared. Newton will probably require keyhole surgery to repair any damage, so he will likely be able to return to take part at the back end of the season. Better news in the boiler room is that ‘clock tower’ Andy Beale is targeting a return to action during November, as he recovers from a torn ac ligament & dislocated clavicle in his shoulder, & partner in crime ‘slammin’ Sam Whitaker looks to have shaken off a niggly ankle condition as he returns to full fitness. The next home league fixture is the Round 8 clash with Hornsea Rugby on Saturday 11th November, with a 2.15pm kick off, where Stocksbridge will be targeting a victory to get their season back on track.
Written by Andrew Tyers
