“I asked for some minerals and I got it” Rhys Keenan

Stocksbridge Rugby produced a stirring 2nd half performance against the unbeaten league leaders Ossett Rugby at the weekend and were unlucky to go down by just 3pts with the home side hanging on for the final whistle. Whilst you can never be happy with any defeat, Head Coach Keenan and his team will take a lot of positives from the performance and look for similar displays in the coming weeks.

Again, having to cope with a crippling injury list, Stocksbridge selected a strong squad including an un-named trialist centre. The visitors got off to the worst possible start by handing over possession to the eager home side, a handling error lead to a scrum and Ossett's centre strolled in almost unopposed to give the home side the lead. This early setback seemed to wake the visitors up, and some storming runs from skipper Rowett, clock tower 2nd rower Beal and the imposing figure of Gary Woodcock put the home side's defence on high alert, Frith was busy marshalling his troops around the field, whilst Ben Westby moved to outside half moved the ball around to good effect.

It was no surprise when the pressure paid off and a simple Bowskill penalty got the Pigs off the mark and back into the contest. Ossett are league leaders for a reason and they have a good energy around their side, some poor tackling around the scrum allowed the No 8 to pick up and gallop away for another try. Still the gallant visitors with Coach Keenan and James Neal busy in the loose kept Stocksbridge Rugby in their opponent’s half and on the offensive for most of the opening half, and they were rewarded when a deft chip thru by Liam O'Leary was collected by his centre partner, who crossed for the 1st Stocksbridge try of the afternoon. Stocksbridge then had a penalty award reversed for some foul play by Neal, who was then replaced by Joe Smith to bolster up the scrum. The home side had the last word of the first half with a breakaway try to give them a 17pts - 8pts advantage, but all to play for.

The half time message from the Coaching Team was simple, 'believe in yourselves and do not take a backward step.'

The referee warned both sides about high tackles and was left with little option as Stocksbridge infringed and were reduced to 14 men twice, with Roebuck receiving his yellow card after being on the filed for only a few minutes. A hammer blow in the 47th minute when the Ossett fly half spotted a gap in the visitor’s defence to chip over and their speedy centre got the luck of the bounce to collect and score a decisive try. Stocksbridge were having the better of the half by now, the forwards were on top, both set pieces were working well and the backs were a constant threat to the home side. A huge hit from Smith left the home No 8 in a heap, and when he tried to retaliate, he received his own yellow card for a high shot. The gave Bowskill an opportunity to claw back some points and keep Stocksbridge in touch.

From a similar position, and another penalty award, skipper Rowett chose the line out option and was rewarded for his courage when the hard working 'diesel' Aspin caught the ball, transferred it thru hands and Rowett himself was on hand to plunge over the line, much to the delight of the vociferous Stocksbridge followers.

Bowskill and the Ossett full back again swapped penalties and a sweeping backs move allowed the Stocksbridge centre to crash over for a score to keep the visitors only 3 points adrift and the home side visibly wilting and looking around at each other for inspiration. Stocksbridge had all the momentum, and despite winning the 2nd stanza by 16pts to 10pts, had to settle for a losing bonus point with a final score of Ossett Rugby 27pts - Stocksbridge Rugby 24pts.

This result keeps Stocksbridge in touch with the leaders at the top of the table however the much-anticipated home clash this weekend against Mosborough Rugby is almost a play off the final top 4 spot. Kick-off is 2.15pm and a good crowd is expected.

The Bradfield Brewery Man of the Match award went to 2nd row Andy Beal for a towering display, back to his best. Westby, Frith and Aspin also worked hard as did the whole of the squad. Afterwards a proud Rhys Keenan said 'I asked for character, I asked for intensity and I asked for some 'minerals', and I got it, adding 'this is more like the Stocksbridge of old, our standards have now been set.'

Stocksbridge Director of Rugby Andy Tyers is set to announce the short term signing of Sheffield Eagles rugby league star and former Papua New Guinea international Menzie Yere as he looks for a bit of game time and match fitness. 'it's a great signing for the club' said Tyers 'it suits both parties, and he will add an extra dimension to an improving team'. He should certainly add to the gate for the weekend.

Updated 14:56 - 4 Dec 2018 by Lewis Bowman