Sweet victory against Nestle Rowntree

STOCKSBRIDGE RUFC 48-22 NESTLE ROWNTREE

FOLLOWING on from a good win last week, Stocksbridge RUFC were keen to continue in the same spirit against Nestle Rowntree.

Picture: Pete Revitt

The half opened well with good runs from all players, however the Rowntrees defence was well organised and holes were not available for the home side to capitalise upon. It took some 15 minutes before a well worked move saw the rocket on the wing Ryan Smith find the gap to go over for the first try.

The game now opened up as the home team piled on more pressure with the belief that the next try was soon coming.

It was not long before Pete Newton barged his way through the half back defence to score close to the posts giving an easy bonus conversion for Scott Bowskill.

The traffic was not all one way and the Rowntree pack kept Stocksbridge on their toes with the home team giving away a cheap penalty just outside the 22 to give the visitors three points.

Not put off, the local side pressed on with another great move only to spill the ball five metres out which was pounced upon by Rowntree who ran the length of the pitch to score a converted try.

Not allowing this to put them off, the Pigs continued to pile the pressure on and another powerful break and run from Pete Newton led to his second try converted by Scott Bowskill.

With calls from the captain Ricky Rowett to press for the bonus point in the first half, Stocksbridge spilled the ball in their own half. The visitors pack, which had shown good strength, pressed and a run from their front row burst through to score under the posts for a well earned converted try.

With two minutes of the half left, the home side would normally take stock and play the half out but that was not in the minds of the day and they pressed on again with the forwards linking well.

Another barging break through for Peter Newton saw him pass the ball to supporting fullback Pat O’Leary to run in the bonus point try which was converted by Scott Bowskill. A great half to watch for the many supporters who had turned out in good numbers to see a score line of 26 – 17 at the break.

The second half started with the home team continuing to push with well practiced moves from the training ground paying off, gifting Liam O’Leary a try after just five minutes.

There was no rest for Rowntree as they turned over to the buoyant Stocksbridge pack which was recycled well finding Sam Whitaker in the outside centre spot just inside the opposition half.

He made several yards before drawing in the opposition full back and timing a perfect pop pass to winger Joe Jones, a move which all the back line should learn from. Joe was then clear to run the last 30 metres to score under the posts, converted by Scott Bowskill.

With only 12 minutes gone, the decision was made to give the guys on the bench the chance to take part in what was shaping up to be the best performance for many a moon.

Rowntree never let their heads drop, especially up front. This saw them score half way through the second session with another barraging run form their front row to gain a third try.

With the wake up call that Rowtree could get the bonus point fourth try, the home side dug in as Rowntree piled on the pressure. Unlucky Liam O’Leary sliding up in a tackle saw yellow for the move aiding the opposition’s belief.

Stocksbridge defended well during the next 10 of the yellow card to keep the visitors away from the line. Rallied by his 10-minute rest in the bin, O’Leary was back on the pitch for the last three minutes and burst through the visiting defence to score his second of the half converted by Scott Bowskill.

A second half score of 22-5 to round off a great day for the home team and well entertained spectators.

A final Score of 48-22 with seven tries from both the pack and backs, this is the rugby that the club can play and should strive to continue. Training is Tuesday and Friday nights the hard work starts there - the benefits are a game like this.