– Leisure Centre Celebrates 35 Years of Service
A familiar face to generations of gym-goers and families, David Hudson has marked an incredible 35 years of service at Hillsborough Leisure Centre. Colleagues and customers alike came together to celebrate the milestone, recognising his decades of dedication, hard work and the positive impact he has had on the local community.
It’s fair to say that if you’ve ever stepped through the doors of the centre, you’ll know David. While many recognise him in his role as Duty Manager, to those who work alongside him he’s simply known as “Dave will sort it” – a phrase that reflects both his reliability and his willingness to go the extra mile.
David first joined the centre as a 20-year-old, recalling how he walked up to the doors on his very first day. More than three decades on, he remains just as committed, still close friends with many of the colleagues he met in those early days.
Speaking to Look Local, his partner said: “If you’d asked him 35 years ago, he would have laughed at the idea of still being there. But over the years he’s often said he could never leave.”
That commitment has been driven not just by a love of sport, but by a passion for helping others. Over the years, David has supported countless young people as they’ve taken their first steps into the world of work, something his partner says has brought him great pride and satisfaction.
His reputation for being dependable stretches beyond the workplace – although when asked if “Dave will sort it” applies at home too, the response was met with laughter and a firm “no comment”.
Described as hardworking, funny and kind, David’s genuine nature is credited as the reason he is so well-liked. “He bends over backwards to help everyone,” his partner said. “People trust him with anything, whether it’s work or personal.”
Over the years, there have been plenty of standout moments. Among them, a young Kell Brook completing work experience at the centre at the age of 15, and the venue’s success in national fivea-side championships during the 1990s. David also marked his 25-year milestone with an appearance on Toby Foster Breakfast Show.
From an achievements perspective, one of the proudest moments came in 2004 when the centre won the prestigious “Flame” award for Leisure Centre of the Year, alongside numerous other accolades over the years.
To celebrate the 35-year milestone, David and his partner recently enjoyed a trip to the coast – a well-earned break to mark the occasion.
And as the centre celebrates his remarkable 35 years, one thing is certain – if something needs sorting, Dave’s your man.
A Week of Local Talent and Fundraising
Music Festival Returns
With spring officially here and the days getting longer, plans are well underway for this year’s Valley Music Festival, promising another "fantastic summer week of music".
Running from the 8th to the 14th of June, the festival aims to raise vital funds for music education for local children.
Events will be held at The Venue and Fox Valley shopping centre. The programme features local performers, ranging from nursery-aged children (who boast a "cute factor of 1,000") right through to retired folk, showcasing music as a life-long passion. Organisers note that they have already seen children who received help from the festival go on to study music at university and make it their career.
The festival will once again showcase local school choirs during the two "Kids Make Music" nights on Tuesday 9th and Wednesday 10th June. To ensure the event is accessible to all families, tickets are kept purposely low at £3 for adults and free for children. Not to be outdone, some local adult choirs will also perform at The Venue in an evening of "warm camaraderie".
The festival's aim is clear: to raise money to put instruments into schools and offer scholarships to children who want to learn to play or sing. Given the increasing pressure on school budgets, music education is often compromised, and the festival seeks to ensure every child gets this opportunity. Every penny of profit goes towards giving a child a chance with music. All crew, including performers, musicians, and sound technicians, are volunteers. The community is urged to be as generous as possible when visiting, with collection buckets placed by the doors, to support this wonderful cause.
Generous festival supporter, Ponti’s restaurant, will host the well-loved ‘A Night At The Opera’ on June 12th. Another popular returning act is the Pint ‘n’ Half duo, which was a huge success last year. This performance on June 9th features local soprano Charlotte Proctor and Shaun Doane, formerly of The Everly Pregnant Brothers, promising "good voices and a good laugh". Tickets for both the opera and Pint ‘n’ Half are being sold by Ponti’s.
On LISTINGS
walc.epizy.com
ONGOING
MONDAYS
Men’s Activity and Games Session Stocksbridge Community
Leisure Centre Monday afternoons 1-30pm to 3-30pm Cost £1 (includes free refreshments)
Activities will include a range from Badminton, Table Tennis, Indoor Curling, Dominoes, Card and Board Games, Quiz Contact Andy Walker 07723 506423 for further information.
Millhouse Green Male Voice
Choir practise on Monday evenings (7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.) at Millhouse Green Institute, Manchester Road, Millhouse Green. If you want to join us, come on Monday to meet us and see if you like us. Bass voices are needed so have a go at singing in the Bath first! Contact 01226 764642 for more information
Baby and Toddler group at the Christian Centre, Cedar Road S36 1AS. Mondays during termtime 9.30 - 11.30 am. Drop in anytime. Sponsored by T.A.R.A.
Every Monday Indoor Bowling 1.30 to 3.30 at At Aidans Church Hall Sheffield Road Oxspring No experience needed, equipment supplied. Everyone welcome. Gentle fun exercise.
MONDAY ART GROUP at STEPS, The VENUE, Manchester Rd, Stocksbridge.
Every Mon 10.00 - 12 noon. £8 per session. Excellent tutor - watercolour, acrylics, pastels etc. Beginners upwards. Just come along and try a free taster ses-
sion!
TUESDAYS
CAMEO (Come And Meet Each Other) Tea, coffee, cakes, dominoes and other games, and friendship. Every Tuesday 2-4 pm at St Andrew’s Church, High Street, Penistone. (Next to the library).For more details: 07903 628820
Deepcar Drop-In every Tuesday from 10am - midday at St John’s Church, Deepcar. All are welcome for drinks, cake and company.
From 14 April - Thorncliffe Bowling Club invites you to their Over 50s afternoons on their greens at the end of Mortomley Close, High Green,S35 3HZ at 1:45 pm. Coaching can be given if you have never played before. The cost is £3 with a cup of tea or coffee
Stocksbridge Bowling Club, on Linden Crescent, will be holding crown green bowling sessions for non members (followed by refreshments) twice weekly. Tuesdays starting at 1.30 pm and Thursdays starting at 5.30pm. Your first session will be free. All equipment and training will be provided. Please come along and enjoy.” This starts on 14th April.
WEDNESDAYS
Everyone is welcome at the Tea and Chat group - 1:00-3:00pm every Wednesday afternoon at St Leonards Church Wortley. Pop in for a drink and a chat. Contact Joan for more details: 0114 2887435
Thurgoland Community Choir, every Wednesday 7pm - 9:30pm Holy Trinity Church, Thurgoland. Enjoy Scrabble? Why not come along to our friendly Scrabble Club We meet between 12noon and 3pm on Wednesdays at the British Legion Club, Chapeltown £1 per session Everyone welcome
St Mary’s Church BolsterstoneWednesdays from 10am to 1pm. Our popular Wednesday coffee mornings have been extended over the winter season so that we can serve hearty homemade soup as well as the usual delicious cakes, in a warm, friendly atmosphere. Do join us, it is open to all.
THURSDAYS
Open House Community Café
Everyone is welcome at Open House, our new community café - 1:30-3:30pm every Thursday at Holy Trinity Thurgoland Church. Pop in for coffee, cakes and a chat. Contact Hannah for more details: hannahosandoval@ gmail.com
The South Yorkshire Bonsai Society, meeting on the 4th Thursday of the month at Deepcar Village Hall 8 to 10 p.m.
High Green Fitness and Fun Aerobics and Activities Paces campus, High Green Thursday 10am-12:30pm £4 per person. Call Margaret for more info 0114 284 7190
THE GOLDEN AGE OF SILENT MOVIES
The golden age of the silent movie returns to the Penistone Paramount on Saturday 11 April at 2.30pm, with a special centenary screening of the classic silent film - ‘The General’, featuring the great Buster Keaton. There’s nowhere better to experience the film’s 100 year Anniversary screening than the historic Penistone Paramount, itself being over 112 years old.
At the console of the Paramount’s ‘Mighty’ Compton Cinema Organ is none other than the master of silent film accompanimentDonald MacKenzie. As Resident Organist at London’s prestigious Odeon, Leicester Square in the heart of the city’s Theatreland, Donald
has performed for royalty on numerous occasions at many royal film premieres at this famous venue.
As part of the program, Donald will be showcasing the capabilities of the Compton organ with a selection of famous film music prior to the screening of the film. So get your ticket, drink and popcorn and settle back for a unique trip back in time like no other.
This one-off screening takes place at the Penistone Paramount on Saturday 11th April at 2.30pm. Admission £15. Telephone 01226 767532 or visit www.penistoneparamount. co.uk to book in advance.
Local Opinion
CUMMINGS AND GOINGS
Clack! Clack! Hit it back! Look to the Moon to the Stars or the Sun! Take inspiration from amongst the ganglion of the mind of the body Hold it so even tho it feel shoddy! tomorrow, ah tomorrow and tomorrow to linger on Or whither like a tree or perennial as is grass Where is now Where was when Ithaca the schedule aback an elephant the y on the shelf tramping o’er shields spears of pepper meant a sneezed orgasm to match a catch with a sherbet dip achieve a nasal burp! Coming back!
Andrew Dancer
KISMET ASTAGE?
To say what is is from what became of what was was, then so being so, so nding is -
A climb to Alif alo was begun, for both linger on:
A ‘Prayer… a time of day that on a winding stair greets itself.’ *
A Cloud, brollying shelter from a carousing Sun.
A brolly to shield a beautiful rain. Clothes dry, parched lands quenched. Each day seized, carry on, to go on - to achieve… So, metaphors, awash of elements galore paint watercolour thoughts capturing moments in black n white, but pigments n hues, framed n packaged by words of delight at the progress made to cheeks once paler than white now seeing such Blossom bloom from Serendipity’s table, relieves a gloom of being disabled!
*Mimi Khalvati - Selected Poems. Carcanet, 2000.
By Steve Moxon
Before the direct route we use today was cut through rock in 1806, the old main road from Sheffield up the Don & Little Don valleys was dictated by the vagaries of the landscape. Anything but straightforward, where exactly did this run, and can it be traced today?
Whether always of a piece or cobbled together, it began at Wadsley Bridge as a spur from a shared trunk highway heading north out of town. It couldn’t keep to the dale floor as in parts it’s a rocky gorge. Climbing to Birley Carr, it stayed high along Midhurst Road to Hagg Hill.
Next is a gap to a nearby walled-in track, Dickey Lane, that’s surely part of the ancient trail (assuming no very odd diversion to Lower Hurst). In-between you can see a funnel of walling that seems likely once to have contained the road.
Dickey Lane goes to the height of the southern end of Beeley Wood. On the ground it’s from then on hard to discover. From its marking on modern Streetmap (if not on historic OS maps), it skirted the length of the wood. Descending to Oughtibridge Hall, it here joined the lane from Jaw Bone Hill.
The Don had to be forded when it came to wheeled traffic, the bridge in those days being a narrow, packhorse type. Across to Orchard Street, via Cockshutts Lane to Hill Top and the first serious descent thus far encountered. You then crossed a culvert of Tinker Brook on what remains a broad enclosed cartway, Storth Lane, to Brightholmlee hamlet. A further walled-in segment, Townfield Lane, heads in the direction of where formerly (now under a reservoir) Ewden Beck was spanned by Pog Bridge, a foot job, alongside which had to be a ford. Maps prior to the OS show an ascent directly up the hillside to More Hall Lane, thence to Bolsterstone.
Alternatively, to go upstream to New Mill Bridge meant tackling the mountain of New Mill Bank, which is too steep for wheels bar motors. Another option, but long private, was a road just east of Pog Bridge using Emmett Bridge (also not a wide affair, so again unsuitable for carriages and carts), to pass right by More Hall to the Lane. Arriving at this same
spot, according to John Derby writing in 1863, was a then still traceable way that forded Ewden Beck close to More Hall Bridge – presumably served by the track starting nearly opposite the finish of Storth Lane at Brightholmlee Lane. Scaling the end of Waldershelf to Hollin Edge (Saddleback), is Hare Hills Lane, featuring a stretch of deep holloway, betraying that it’s at least medieval and important. However, it doesn’t appear on an 1828 map. There’s Pog Lane and that’s it; clearly the principal thoroughfare. Over Saddleback, rather than an arm of travel towards Midhope, it looks like a fork to the Hunshelf-Wharncliffe divide, via Townend House on to Deepcar. The 1837-surveyed Old Series OS map shows this last section, before it became or was replaced by the ‘coach drive’, as it’s known, that Jack Branston wrote was fashioned for Samuel Fox in 1863.
From Bolsterstone, Stone Moor Road and New Hall Lane take you past Green hamlet, dipping down Machin Lane, and by Oaks Lane on to and beyond Midhopestones. At the point Midhope Hall Lane elbows left to Upper Midhope, the original line’s straight on as Dark Lane, nowadays an unmade bridleway, to vault the Don, becoming Bridge Lane Brook, as has inundated the trail as it rose to and topped Langsett. Bridge as usual is latter-day, obviously: previously a ford.
And this recurring issue was the old road’s key drawback. Wheeled traffic didn’t move when rivers were in spate, given no bridges wider than the slender ones for packhorses. In the wake of a complaint letter to the Sheffield Iris newspaper by Samuel Deakin of More Hall, a petition for a completely fresh route cited two fords as “dangerous”. Oughtibridge’s must have been one. Then there was the narrowness of the holloways and walled-in sections, as well as the hills and that the whole thing was pretty circuitous.
It’s no surprise it was decided to carve a valley bottom passage instead of improving what existed, that would entail making gentler traverses of the fiercer hillsides – unwelcome added roadway to build and travellers’ time to waste. Even if cheaper, it anyway would have been miles short of ideal.
The old road from Oughtbridge to Brightholmlee
The missing section of the old main road from Birley Carr to Dickey Lane, but suggested by funnelled walling
MP Pushes for Tram-Train Extension
A bid to extend the Sheffield tram-train network to Stocksbridge has been raised at the highest level, as Penistone and Stocksbridge MP Marie Tidball put the proposal directly to Prime Minister Keir Starmer during Prime Minister’s Questions.
The call comes on the back of a major £35 million Government investment into Crucible Theatre, securing the future of the World Snooker Championship in Sheffield until 2045. The funding, alongside additional private backing, will increase the venue’s capacity by 50 per cent, adding around 500 seats.
Welcoming the investment in Parliament, Ms Tidball said the improvements would “transform the Crucible Theatre and keep the World Snooker Championship at the heart of Sheffield.” She then pressed the Prime Minister to back improved transport links so residents in outlying communities can better access the city.
She told the Commons she wanted constituents to be able to travel “day and night” by tram-train from Stocksbridge into Sheffield, via Oughtibridge, Wharncliffe Side and Deepcar.
The MP highlighted that South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard has already begun progressing plans, and asked the Prime Minister to work with local leaders to “get spades in the ground” as soon as possible.
In response, Mr Starmer praised Sheffield’s role in the sport, describing the city and the Crucible as “the beating heart of snooker”. He confirmed the Government is working closely with regional leaders on transport improvements, with £1.4 billion allocated to South
Yorkshire that could support tram extensions, a new fleet, and upgraded stops.
The proposal aligns with the recently launched “South Yorkshire People’s Network”, a major overhaul of the region’s public transport system led by Mayor Coppard. The initiative aims to bring buses and trams back under public control, backed by £1.5 billion in Government funding. A further £7.5 million has been allocated to explore the feasibility of tram extensions, including the route to Stocksbridge.
The Commons exchange was briefly disrupted when Reform MPs, including Nigel Farage, walked out of the chamber during the discussion, prompting criticism from other members. In a light-hearted remark, the Prime Minister quipped that they were “absolutely snookered”.
Following the session, Ms Tidball reaffirmed her commitment to the scheme, saying improved transport links are a priority for local communities. She also pointed to the potential for a reinstated SL1 tram link bus as a short-term measure while longer-term plans are developed.
“I want our communities to have long-term public transport options to get to the snooker, day or night,” she said. “I will continue working hard with our Mayor and Sheffield City Council to bring a tram-train extension to Stocksbridge.”
Christmas raffle raises over £500 for Primary School
A successful community Christmas raffle has raised more than £500 for Wharncliffe Primary School.
Organisers at the Wharncliffe Arms have now officially handed over the £502 donation, following a festive fundraiser that brought together local residents, supporters and businesses.
Describing the moment, organisers said it “feels like a lifetime ago” since the raffle took place, but they were delighted to finally meet with the school and present the funds in person.
The raffle, held over the Christmas period, saw strong support
from the local community, with dozens taking part and contributing to the total.
A spokesperson said: “We raised a massive £502 at our Christmas raffle. A big thank you to everyone who participated, and to all the lovely people and businesses who kindly donated prizes.”
The funds are expected to support the school with resources and activities for pupils, helping to enhance the learning environment.
Organisers added their appreciation once again, saying: “Thanks again to everyone who helped make it such a success.”
TURNER AND COTTAM STAR IN PACKED EASTER WEEKEND
Penistone Footpath Runners were in action across road, fell, trail and parkrun events over a busy Easter weekend, with Graihagh Turner and Richard Cottam among the standout performers. Turner produced an outstanding double at the Isle of Man Easter Festival of Running against strong senior competition.
In Saturday’s Peel Hill Race, run in some of the windiest conditions in the event’s history, Graihagh finished ninth in the women’s race and was first under18 in a field of 164. She followed that up on Sunday in the festival 5k, finishing 16th in the women’s race and again first under18 from 212 finishers.
Helen Turner also took on Sunday’s 5k, rounding off a successful family weekend on the island.
Back in South Yorkshire, Penistone made a strong start to the 2026 Trunce series, the first of nine races that will run through the summer at Oxspring.
Richard Cottam led the way with victory in the senior race in 27-22, while George Parr finished sixth in 29-03. There was further strength through Jon Hallam (31-52), Daniel Limb (32-56), Oliver Pike (32-58), Phil Hinchliffe (33-38) and Ian Neville (33-42), while Philip Shaw was first in the men’s over60 category in 34-17.
Hannah Shaw was the club’s first woman home in 34-30, with Lesley Parker (39-05), Chloe Hinchliffe (39-11) and Rebecca Timms (39-19) all running strongly. In the junior race, Edward Holley continued his excellent form with third place in 14-19.
Penistone also produced a big turnout at the opening South Yorkshire Road League race at Elsecar. Flynn Rogers was first home for the club in 20th place in 25-07, followed by Richard Heppenstall in 25-29, James Mumford in 25-46 and Sean Pitt in 25-55. Alan Nutton also made the top 40 in 26-14, while George Parr, Oliver France, Rob Lees and Daniel Rushforth all finished inside the top 85. Jade Crosby led the Penistone women in 29-28, supported by Suzanne McGill, Josie Smith and Gemma Nutton as the club showed strong depth across the field.
On Easter Sunday, Damian Kilpin and Nichola McNally tackled the Helmsley Easter Multi Terrain 10k, a varied course over tarmac, forest tracks, footpaths and fields. Kilpin finished 22nd overall in 41-26, while McNally
ran 45-00 to place 56th and take first place in the ladies over55 category.
Elsewhere, Keith Gordon was the only Penistone runner at the Halifax 10k, finishing 527th in 57-01 and placing second in the men’s over75 category, while Heather Simpson ran 50-03 at the Battersea Park 10k to finish 143rd overall and second in the women’s over50 category.
At the weekend’s parkruns, Penistone recorded 78 seniors across a record 31 different venues during the holiday period.
Fresh from his Trunce win, Richard Cottam took first place at Glossop in 18-39. There were second gender places for Faye Nicholls at Dewsbury and Oliver France at Penistone, while Julia Johnson at Huddersfield, Dawn Godley at Vermuyden Way and James Mumford at Rothwell all recorded third gender finishes.
Suzanne McGill was first female at Sewerby in 20-53, Rob Lees was first over45 at North Yorkshire Waterpark, and Heather Lindley was first over60 at Cusworth Hall.
Flynn Rogers ran 16-38 at Battersea to finish tenth overall and first under18, while George Parr was first senior at Millfield.
Rebecca Parr also reached her 200th parkrun, 191 of them at Penistone. The highest age-graded performances of the weekend came from Julia Johnson with 89.74 per cent, Barbara Haigh 84.38, Flynn Rogers 82.36, Dawn Godley 82.22 and James Mumford 79.46.
TRUNCE RETURNS
In the lead-up to Easter Stocksbridge Running Club (SRC) was a hive of activity, as members laced up their shoes to tackle a variety of competitions both locally and beyond the county borders. The enthusiasm and commitment displayed by SRC athletes truly captured the spirit of the club during a week brimming with races and remarkable performances.
Grit and adventure close to home as Nick Boxall took on the first Trunce race of the new season— a legendary short fell run that begins in Oxspring and winds its way through scenic countryside. The course is renowned for its challenging nature - runners must conquer three river crossings and climb a total of 400 feet in elevation. Boxall completed the ordeal in a commendable time of 35:39. Given this strong start, expectations are high for Boxall to feature in every Trunce event, steadily accumulating points as the series unfolds.
Venturing further afield, club secretary Narni Fulford took on the daunting GB Ultra ‘M2L’—a 50-mile ultra-marathon running between Manchester and Liverpool along a flat canal-side trail. The event drew seasoned athletes seeking both distance and prestige, with a coveted gold medal awarded to the top 200 finishers. Fulford rose to the occasion, securing 13th place among female competitors and earning her gold medal with a finish time of 8 hours, 43 minutes.
The week’s achievements reflect the energy, determination, and unity that characterise Stocksbridge Running Club. Whether crossing rivers, navigating undulating roads, or pushing through ultra-marathon distances, SRC athletes continue to demonstrate why they are a force to be reckoned with on the local and national running scene. With the season just beginning, anticipation builds for further triumphs as the club continues its journey across new courses and fresh challenges.
Elsecar became the stage for the first South Yorkshire Country Athletics Association’s road league race of the year, where five SRC athletes represented the club. The route, marked by rolling terrain and slight detours due to ongoing road works, tested the group’s resolve. Nicholas Boxall, showing impressive consistency, posted a time of 31:09. Nick Wright followed with a swift 33:28, while James Oldham crossed the line soon after in 34:41. Nicola Spencer gave a solid performance with 38:35, and Nicola Heaton completed the SRC cohort in a strong 41:24. Their collective efforts not only showcased individual stamina but also the camaraderie at the heart of SRC.
STRIDEOUT HIT PEAK FORM IN BUSY MARCH
It’s been a phenomenal month for the Strideout Stocksbridge running club, with members tackling some serious challenges and even hosting the BBC.
The club’s former Couch to 5km graduates stepped up to longer distances with aplomb.
Laura Firth completed the Sheffield Half Marathon last weekend and was quick to credit the running group for their brilliant support. Meanwhile, Katherine Harris showed pure determination and endurance to conquer the Spen of 20, another one of the region’s notorious ‘undulating’ courses.
It wasn’t all about endurance, though, as Beth Gamlin focused on speed, securing a superb Personal Best (PB) at the flat and fast Doncaster 5km run the runway event.
The club leaders have also been busy, guiding a group of runners on an urban explore as part of the Petzl headtorch demonstration at ShAFF. This brilliant event allowed them to run alongside Keri Wallace, founder of Girls on Hills and an amazing advocate for running adventures.
Strideout, which operates from multiple locations, also welcomed BBC Radio Sheffield to their Stannington Friday morning run. The session allowed members to share how the running group has supported them through life events, including menopause, and achieving their personal goals.
TIGERS AT HOME ALREADY
SHEFFIELD’s home campaign opened with a comfortable 56-34 win over Belle Vue in front of a big opening crowd at Owlerton.
The result saw the Tigers ease to the aggregate point 98-82 to move them to the top of their Premiership Knockout Cup, Northern Section.
The South Yorkshire side got off to a dream start against an understrength Aces side with a 5-1 in the opener from Jack Holder and Anders Rowe and looked set for another in Heat Three.
But a good ride from Peter Kildemand saw him split Chris Holder and Leon Flint as the Tigers moved six ahead on the night.
A run of 3-3s followed before a strong midmeeting showing saw them seize full control of the contest.
The Tigers hit four 5-1s and a 4-2 to open up a 24 point lead which took the pressure off the
closing stages as the visitors won the final four races, three of which came courtesy of classy British Grand Prix star Dan Bewley.
Sheffield skipper Josh Pickering said: “We set out with a bit of a task in hand - we ran them very close at Belle Vue and I was glad to have a convincing win here in the end.
“We all settled in quite well; I know Leon’s not overly impressed with his results here tonight but the rest of the boys chipped in, got the points when we needed to with heat advantages and it was very important for us to stretch that lead and maintain.”
Pickering and Chris Holder won their opening three outings each before Bewley ruined their maximum hopes late on.
Opening pairing Jack Holder and Anders Rowe and reserve Jye Etheridge all raced their way to paid double figures.
Rising Star Luke Killeen battled hard and got himself involved in a Heat Eight 5-1 whilst Leon Flint’s night was disrupted by frustrating bike problems ahead of Heat Five.
The Tigers now have a two week break ahead of a big final home group stage clash against Leicester (Thursday, April 16, 7.30pm).
SHEFFIELD 56: Chris Holder 13, Josh Pickering 12+1, Jye Etheridge 9+2, Jack Holder 9+1, Anders Rowe 8+3, Leon Flint 3+1, Luke Killeen 2+1.
BELLE VUE 34: Dan Bewley 16, Zach Cook 5, Will Cairns 3+1, Kye Thomson 3+1, Chris Harris 3, Peter Kildemand 3, Tate Zischke 1+1.
Sheffield win the aggregate point 98-82.
STEELS LADIES EQUAL TO THE BLADES
A competitive and hard-fought encounter saw Stocksbridge Park Steels Ladies earn a deserved point away at Sheffield United after an action-packed 90 minutes.
The game burst into life early on, with both sides showing attacking intent. Sheffield United struck first following a ball over the top, where their forward reacted quickest to fire a first-time finish past the keeper.
Stocksbridge responded well and were handed a golden opportunity to equalise when Jenna drove into the box and was brought down for a penalty. Anna stepped up and struck it powerfully, but the Sheffield United keeper produced a strong save to keep the hosts in front.
The pressure from Stocksbridge continued, and they found their breakthrough soon after. Mara beat her player down the flank and whipped in a dangerous cross that took a deflection, looping into the net to level the score.
The opening 20 minutes were frantic, with both sides creating chances, but it was Stocksbridge who began to take control as the half progressed. Despite being on top, they were unable to find a second goal before the break.
The second half was more evenly contested, with both teams creating opportunities. Sheffield United posed a particular threat from long throws into the box, testing the Stocksbridge defence.
As the game approached its conclusion, Stocksbridge nearly snatched all three points. In the final attack of the match, Woody found herself in a promising position, but her effort drifted just wide of the post.
In the end, it finished all square, with Stocksbridge likely to feel they had the better chances but had to settle for a point on the road.
SHEFFIELD UNITED WOMEN CF 1 – 1 STOCKSBRIDGE PARK STEELS LADIES