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Issue 1091
Call 0114 283 1100
12th December 2019
www.looklocal.org.uk
Local Sport
Stocksbridge Rugby donate early Christmas present
Nestle Rowntree 23 -15 Stocksbridge PROBABLY the worst first half showing of the season eventually saw Stocksbridge Rugby suffer an unexpected loss on the road in York, to unfancied Nestle Rowntree. This reverse means Stocksbridge were unable to gain any ground on Mosborough in second place in the league table, meaning that their next fixture at home to improving Stanley Rodillians now falls into the ‘must win’ category. “We were poor in all areas,” said supremo Rhys Keenan. “We have to learn to get up for each and every game and not just when it suits us. I’ve asked the lads to have a good look at themselves this week and come back with an improved attitude all round next time out.” Keenan, without the influential Aspin, Beal or Westby, also had to cope with Ryan Smith dropping out with food poisoning on the morning of the match. Bowskill was switched to partner Frith at half back, with Pat O’Leary recalled at full back and young flyer Connor Price earning a start on the wing.
It was a poor start from the visitors, who conceded possession early on, and from almost their first visit to the Stocksbridge 20-metre line, some poor defence allowed Rowntree an easy score to take the lead.
In truth, the second half was marginally better although poor discipline was beginning to take its toll on the travelling Pigs. Some decisions from the official incensed the Stocksbridge players, eventually resulting in a yellow card and a sin binning for skipper Rowett for speaking out of turn to the referee.
Stocksbridge eventually managed to build an attack, going through a few phases of possession and retaining the ball. This led to a good line break from veteran flyer Joe Jones who linked well with hard working back rower Pete Newton who barged his way over for a Weak tackling made an average attack look try, to possibly get Stocksbridge back in the much better and Rowntree gained in con- game. Bowskill narrowly failed with the confidence as the visitors grew more and more version. frustrated with their own efforts. Neither team could really drive home any dominance Rowett’s indiscipline directly led to a further and a simple penalty for another Stocksbridge try for the home side and all thoughts of a infringement was converted before luckless come back were extinguished. Stocksbridge props Joe Smith and Ricky James succumbed had the last word with Sam Whitaker plungto a nose bleed and a recurrence of a knee in- ing over from close range after another small jury respectively, both having to be replaced. period of sustained pressure and Bowskill added the extras. As half time approached, Bowskill managed to land a decent 40-metre penalty to at least Although Stocksbridge won the second half, give Stockbridge some points. Half time ar- it was too little too late, and the first half errived with the scoreline 15-3 to Nestle Rown- rors were just too many to recover from. Not even a losing bonus point could be achieved. tree. There followed a succession of errors, mainly from Stocksbridge, who coughed up possession almost every time they gained it, with dropped balls and loose passes gifting the home side possession and position.
The SMP Pipeworks Player of the Day award went to Sam Whitaker, who was just about the best of a bad bunch, with Newton, Price and Joe Jones amongst few others to gain any credit from the game. “Just not acceptable in a Stocksbridge shirt,” was how Director of Rugby Andy Tyers described the performance afterwards. “We’re two steps forward and one back again. We must find some consistency if we’re going to achieve our goal of promotion this season. We remain 10 points clear of fourth place, so it is all in our own hands, so maybe we can learn from our mistakes.” Stocksbridge Rugby welcome improving Stanley Rodillians to Coal Pit Lane on December 14 with kick off at 2.15pm. Tyers describes this as “a must win” clash for Stocksbridge. Stocksbridge Rugby would like to wish all their sponsors, supporters, members and players the compliments of the season. They look forward to welcoming you all at the clubhouse over the festive period.
Penistone host cross country championships PENISTONE Footpath Runners hosted the fourth and final event of the South Yorkshire Cross Country League on a very wintery Sunday morning. The event also doubled up as the South Yorkshire Cross Country Championships and Penistone runners were in and amongst the medals being awarded.
Julia Johnson at the South Yorkshire Cross Country championships, Penistone
Julia Johnson claimed first place in the over-55 ladies category. Bernice Nixon was second in the over-65 ladies category followed by clubmate Barbara Haigh in third. In the men’s se-
nior male category, Scott Hinchcliffe had a strong run on his home turf to take second place.
took on the full marathon distance. The races started and finished in Guisborough.
Graihagh Turner continued her fine form picking up second place in the girls under-11 age category against some strong competition from the Sheffield and Rotherham clubs.
The races themselves were actually further than a typical half and full marathon with the half being 15 miles and the full marathon being 30 miles.
Husband and wife Sarah and Andy Walch ventured up to the North Yorkshire Moors to take part in the Roseberry Topping trail races. Andy took on the half marathon event whilst Sarah
Andy completed the half event in 3-35 which put him in 67th place in a field of 137. Sarah’s time was 6-19 for the full marathon which placed her in 36th overall and fifth lady home.
