Plucky Stocksbridge bow out of Yorkshire Vase

Stocksbridge 10-59 Harrogate Pythons

BRADFIELD Brewery sponsored Stocksbridge Rugby entertained high flying Harrogate Pythons, sitting fourth in the league above and produced a spirited performance before succumbing to a 59- 10 defeat at Coal Pit Lane at the weekend.

Whilst the cup competition is not high on the priority list for Stocksbridge Rugby, the coaching staff demanded a more enthusiastic and disciplined approach after the previous weeks’ limp offering.

A growing injury list is hampering selection currently and with a further four late drop outs, Stocksbridge were forced into starting with a virtual second string forward pack, against a side renowned for their strong forward play. Debutant Jack Ryan, 17, was thrown in at the deep end and did enough to suggest a bright future for the promising youngster.

Stocksbridge suffered a further blow during the warm up when second row Jamie Christian pulled out with an ankle injury, to be replaced by veteran Brendan Rowett, father of club captain Ricky.

The club are grateful to Mr Keith Rintoul for his generous sponsorship of the match ball. For all the adversity, Stocksbridge never took a backward step and the coaching team can take a lot of positives from their performance, well lead by Skipper Rowett. The forwards competed though heavily out gunned and some early possession provided centres Kelly and Westby room to attack the visiting defence. The home side even took the lead when Bowskill landed a simple penalty after good work from Fletcher, Booth and Bowman up front.

Gradually the more experienced and heavier Pythons pack took control and worked their way into the Stocksbridge 20. A succession of clean breaks lead to some early scores and although credit has to be given to the effort put in by the Stocksbridge eight, they were simply outplayed by their ruthless opponents.

Some poor defence and a harsh yellow card for winger Jack Spencer also contributed to a half time score of 26-3 to Harrogate Pythons.

Although the game had gone by half time, there was still plenty for the home side to play for and Stocksbridge showed a lot of character during a tough second stanza and even scored a consolation try of their own through the hard working Lewis Bowman after some good forward work from Hartley and both Rowetts, putting pressure on the Harrogate pack. Bowskill converted easily and Stocksbridge were unlucky not to score again shortly after as the forwards piled on the pressure and the visitors creaked giving a succession of penalties away, fortunate not to receive a yellow card in the process. Full back Bowskill was replaced by Alan Eckersley as his eye closed following a collision.

As the game wore on the tired Stocksbridge pack began to fall off the tackles and the Pythons raced away into the next round of the Cup.

The Man of the Match award went to the hard working Adam Frith sponsored by BM Decorating Services, defiant behind a beaten pack, with young Jack Ryan, Fletcher, Bowman, Hartley and Booth giving performances they could all be proud of.

Another heavy defeat, but Coach Andy Tyers was surprisingly upbeat about the performance.

Last week was unacceptable for me. We simply gave in and showed no enthusiasm or intensity. We knew we were going to be under the pump this week, with a higher class of opponent and an increasing injury list hampering our preparation however, we asked the boys to show up for each other and they did. We can accept defeat to a better team, but I cannot accept us not competing and we had a dig this week, showed a bit of pride. These are the attributes we will expect going forward.”

Stocksbridge Rugby will have to hope their medical team can cope with the workload this week, so they can produce a squad capable of winning a difficult away clash with promotion rivals Mosborough Rugby at the weekend, as their league campaign resumes.