Local Sport
Issue 1081
Call 0114 283 1100
3rd October 2019
www.looklocal.org.uk
19
Stocksbridge ‘edged-out’ Stocksbridge 9-10 Hessle
Globe Holidays sponsored Stocksbridge Rugby were pipped by just one point by Hull based Hessle Rugby at Coal Pit Lane at the weekend, with the Humbersiders eventually scraping home by 10pts to 9pts, thanks to a controversial penalty award late on in the game. On a wet and blustery afternoon, Head Coach Keenan recalled Jack Spencer to partner scampering Ben Westby at half back, and James Neal at hooker. Young flyer Connor Price earned a starting berth on the left wing, and the versatile Pete Newton returned after injury to partner the rampaging O’Leary in the centres. Beal, that man Frith, Jones and Keenan along with Pat O’Leary formed an impressive back up bench. After an intense warm up, skipper Rowett chose to play with the slope in the 1st half, and Stocksbridge had the better of the early exchanges, camping in their visitors half for long periods. Much against the run of play a stray pass from Westby was intercepted by the visiting fly half who won the foot race to the line to give Hessle the lead. Again Stocksbridge attacked, and had the better of a significantly larger opposing pack, one of the few high tackles to be penalised resulted in Bowskill landing a penalty to get Stocksbridge on the board. Great tackling lead by workhorse flanker Reece Aspin, and the improving Lewis Bowman helped keep Hessle out when they forced Stocksbridge to defend their line during the last minutes of the first half. A relief when the ref blew for half time with the score Stocksbridge rugby 3pts – Hessle 7pts. Stocksbridge dominated a thrilling 2nd stanza, where both sides could have improved their points tally, but defences were certainly
on top. Bowskill slotted a penalty from close range for another high tackle offence, then nudged Stocksbridge in front with Bowskill’s third effort, again for a high tackle, where the official should have really looked at a higher sanction. Despite their best efforts, Stocksbridge couldn’t force a try of their own and as the home side looked to take advantage of a knock on by the visitors the referee inexplicably called the luckless Rowett off side and former Sheffield Eagles star Craig Poucher kicked the resulting penalty to give Hessle the narrowest of advantages. This they held out until the final frustrating whistle to record a victory by 10pts to 9pts, in which neither side deserved to lose, but Stocksbridge do take a losing bonus point for their efforts. In a total squad effort with rugby supremo Keenan rotating his charges, there was again
improvement from Stocksbridge, but losing this game was a bitter pill to swallow. ‘credit to Hessle’ said Director of Rugby Andy Tyers afterwards ‘they defended well and took the only real clear cut chance of the game’ adding ‘our progress is encouraging and we’re very close to being a handful when we get our go forward working’. The Bradfield Brewery Man of the Match award went to the hard working skipper, Ricky Rowett for an inspirational performance. Newton went well in his comeback, and youngster Jack ‘milky’ Martin continued his development with a foraging display in the back row, as did the jet heeled Ryan Smith on the flank. It’s derby time this weekend at Stocksbridge Rugby head for their nearest rivals Sheffield Oaks, kick off in Parson Cross Park is 3pm.
Local Sport Vehicle Services
ERNEST THORPE Halifax Road, Thurgoland 0114 2882152
MOT’s £35.00 NO BOOKING REQUIRED
Mon - Fri 8.30 am - 5.00pm Sat 8.30 am - 12.00 noon
Runners tackle the Yorkshire Coast 10k A contingent of Valley Hill Runners Sheffield have just had a good weekend in Scarborough taking part in the Yorkshire Coast 10k and celebrating the birthday of Chairman Phil Harris. Whilst conditions were wet and stormy everyone completed the run successfully prior to re hydrating in a local bar and finishing off with fish and chips. If anyone would like to come and join us we meet at High Green Sports Club at 18:30 Mondays and Wednesdays. Previous experience isn’t necessary, as we cater from couch to 5k and beyond, with an active social calendar.
