Stocksbridge RUFC

Last weekend’s storm & torrential rain lead to a waterlogged pitch for Leeds Modernians, forcing them to call off their Counties 4 Yorkshire league Round 6 clash with Globe Holidays sponsored Stocksbridge Rugby. The match will have to be replayed at a later date to be agreed by both teams in conjunction with the YRFU. Stocksbridge 1^st XV were left kicking their heels, & watching the England versus South Africa World Cup Semi-Final on the big screen in the Clubhouse, as 5 other fixtures in the competition went ahead !! Without a league fixture this weekend either, the Stocksbridge club are trying to confirm a friendly fixture with the re-formed Maltby Rugby XV for Saturday at Coal Pit Lane with a 3pm kick off. Stocksbridge will return to competitive league action for Round 7,  hosting Hornsea Rugby from Humberside on Saturday 11^th November, with a 2.15pm kick off, as Winter kick off times come into effect. Given that there will be no further league games during October, the Asphalt Grid Systems Man of Steel award has been nominated early, as three quarter turned back rower Pat O’Leary for his excellent recent performances, ball carrying & tigerish defence off both the scrum & the line out. The enforced break will allow time for Head Coach Andy Lawrence to assess his squad options, as injuries continue to keep the medical team busy. Lawrence is expecting to see more players returning after injury in the coming weeks. Off the field, the Club held their annual Harvest Festival at the weekend, with Chairman Phil ‘donk’ Watts as Chief Auctioneer raising over £2200 for local boy Ely in his brave fight against illness.

Written by Andrew Tyers.