A trying season for Stuckey

The season just gone was a ‘trying’ one for Ponty flyer Dale Stuckey, but in the most positive way as he topped the try-scoring charts for his club and in the Premiership.

Making 17 starts for Pontypridd in league and cup, Stuckey ran in an impressive 8 touchdowns and even added a conversion to claim a personal 42 point haul.

Having completed his sixth season at Sardis Road Stuckey was already firmly established as a fan’s favourite and was a close second to lock Kristian Parker in the supporters’ poll for Player of the Year – an accolade which he himself won back in 2018.

Considering his successes, Stuckey can look back on the campaign with satisfaction.

“From a personal point of view the season went well” said Stuckey. “It was a big honour to be considered for the Player of the Year award by supporters, they are the ones who are there week in week out to watch us play and their opinions count for a lot.

“It was more of an up and down sort of season for the squad as a whole, we enjoyed plenty of highlights but we also lacked consistency and let some games slip from our grasp. We know how well we can perform at our best, we scored some nice tries so it was all the more frustrating when our form dipped.”

As for his try scoring record, Dale Stuckey admits to a keen rivalry with fellow winger Alex Webber which brings out the best in both.

“Myself and Alex we push each other all the way” said Stuckey. “He’s a class player and was top try scorer the previous season. He was close on my heels again this season but its good that we can both run in the tries.”

Turning his focus on an uncertain future due to the Covid pandemic, Stuckey has committed himself to another campaign with Pontypridd.

“We don’t know how or when we’ll start playing again but I’m excited about our prospects” said Stuckey. “We have some good youngsters coming up through the ranks, which will provide a good mix with the more experienced players. I’m happy to be staying on at Ponty and really looking forward to next season whenever it comes.”

When rugby does once more resume, it will hopefully be a case of try, try and try again for top scorer Stuckey.