Local Sport
Issue 1044
Call 0114 283 11 00
17th January 2019
www.looklocal.org.uk
23
BIG WIN BRINGS CURTAIN DOWN ON REGULAR SEASON Nestle Rowntree 17-37 Stocksbridge RUFC STOCKSBRIDGE Rugby finished their regular season fixtures with a five-try demolition of lowly York based Nestle Rowntrees Rugby, ending a frustrating run of four defeats and bagging a try scoring bonus point with a resounding 37-17 victory. Although they have now finished out of the play off places, this win showed glimpses of the real Stocksbridge Rugby with four of the tries being scored by the back three.
Local Sport
A strong Stocksbridge squad travelled to York with a point to prove and determined to see Menzie Yere off in style as he completed his short stint with the club, to return to Rugby League action.
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Receiving the kick off, Beal started off a fantastic team move and Scotty Bowskill took the final pass to score under the sticks before adding the conversion. Old habits die hard and Stocksbridge allowed the home side back into the game conceding a penalty, then being nudged back themselves Forwards and backs linked up before big Joe Smith, on the run, to concede a try. carried two defenders over the try Playing some good rug- line with him, Bowskill nailed the by, Stocksbridge created conversion. a number of chances, finally using Yere to his It was a period of dominance strengths, creating hav- for the visiting forwards and the oc on and off the ball for backs enjoyed some quality possession, using it to their advantage Rowntrees. Yere broke thru again, this time More Stocksbridge pres- Bowskill ran the right support line sure came, this time in to take the pass and cross the try open play as Kelly fed line, just too far out for him to add Yere to blast his way the extras. through the defence.
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Mon - Fri 8.30 am - 5.00pm Sat 8.30 am - 12.00 noon Stocksbridge again allowed the home side back into the contest, conceding needless penalties and Bowskill turned from hero to villain as he bounced off the Rowntrees winger allowing a soft try. This was compounded just a few minutes later as further weak defence led to another score for the home side, raising their expectations. Stocksbridge again had the final say of a gripping first half when a sweeping back line move, straight from the training paddock, rewarded the hard work-
ing Westby as he scampered in the corner for a well deserved try, again on the back of some good interplay between Kelly, Yere and Jack Spencer. Although the result was never in doubt, the home side, to their credit refused to buckle in the second half. Bowskill nudged home a simple penalty for a high shot on Yere to extend the lead and as Coach Keenan emptied the bench, the visitors were reduced to 14 men as Booth saw yellow for throwing and missing with a
haymaker as a Rowntree defender killed the ball on the wrong side of the ruck. Further Stocksbridge pressure was rewarded with another successful penalty from Bowskill, as the referee grew tired of the home sides antics in trying to kill the ball to relieve the onslaught. Stocksbridge created a number of further chances, but struggled for that final killer pass until Frith and Kelly again combined to give winger Joe Jones a walk in for the
final try of the game. Bowskill converted with the last act of a real confidence-boosting win for the Piggies. “We showed today what we’re capable of,” said a smiling Rhys Keenan afterwards, “It’s just a shame we’ve got it together a bit too late for the play offs, but we’ll be going all out for some late season silverware in the plate and vase competitions we have coming up.”
STOCKSBRIDGE SWIMMERS RULE THE POOL STOCKSBRIDGE Pentaqua swimmers again showed success in the recent county and regional events held in October and November. The Winter Yorkshires competition saw 29 swimmers, who had gained the tough qualifying times, perform in county event which is huge contingent from the local club. Swimmers were rewarded with new personal best times and the ability to race amongst the top swimmers in the county, as a direct result of the determination and dedication shown during their training sessions. The committed youngsters performed well with top ten prizes being awarded to seven swimmers. Well Done to Paddy Neill, Benjamin Walker, Logan Price, Finley McNicholas, Seb Alwash, Makyle Iqbal and Lucy Hatfield for achieving in top 10 places in the county. Stocksbridge swimmers then faced the challenge of competing in the North Eastern Regional Swimming championships
and 14 swimmers gained eligible times in order to compete in a total of 56 events. Swimmers raced hard and as a result came away from the event with a total of 14 topten placings earned by three swimmers. Well done to Finley McNicholas, Makyle Iqbal and Ben Croft. Ben Croft came away with two bronze medals and is now aiming for national times. Stocksbridge Pentaqua is extremely pleased with the swimmers achievements and values the efforts these children and volunteers of the club put into the sport. The reputation of Stocksbridge Pentaqua continues to flourish against some of the larger clubs in the area. Would you like to train competitively and have fun as part of our successful team? Do you have a child currently swimming at stage seven or above? If so, please contact us to arrange a trial at Stocksbridge Pentaqua Swimming club at pentaqua.clubroom@gmail.com.
