Match Reports

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Dewsbury Rams (H) 22nd August 08 - NL1

EAGLES fans were treated to a nail-biting finish to the season as a gritty Dewsbury took the final game down to the wire. After storming into a seemingly winning 28-12 lead the Eagles switched off and allowed relegated Dewsbury to come back to 28-28. It took a try six minutes from time by centre Mike Roby to spare the blushes and end the season on a high. Aston gave a debut to 17-year-old Penistone forward Eddie Battye – who was dumped on his backside in his first tackle but got up and like the team finished strongly. The Rams took the lead when following a tap penalty on the left they switched the play inside and prop James Walker blasted over for the try. Loose-forward Patrick Walker added the goal. That stung the Eagles into action and scrum-half Dominic Bambani took control providing the inside pass for stand-off Brendon Lindsay to race through from 10 metres for the touchdown. Jonny Woodcock added the goal. Sheffield swiftly took the lead with Brambani setting up position with the first of two 40-20 kicks before the centre Mike Roby forced his way over near the corner flag. Woodcock converted with a great kick from the touchline. Centre James Ford had a simple run in try from hooker Paul Pickering’s pass as the Eagles stepped up the pressure. Dewsbury were showing spirit and winger Tom Colleran benefited when a high kick deceived Ford and he collected the ball to score the try with Patrick Walker adding the goal. Woodcock kicked a penalty just before half-time to give the Eagles an 18-12 lead. It looked like game over as the Eagles pulled ahead with two tries in five minutes after the restart. Woodcock took Ford’s pass to go over the line and then the fullback added the conversion. A passing move by Ford, Dane McDonald and Brambani sent winger Rob Worrincy in wide on the right. Sloppy defending by the Eagles saw the Rams hit back with two tries for centre Kane Epati with Patrick Walker converting the first touchdown. It seemed the end of season party would go flat as Dewsbury drew level with nine minutes to go with a try from Luke Haigh converted by Patrick Walker. But the Eagles nerves were eased with six minutes to go when Roby touched down from Lindsay’s pass and Woodcock added the goal. FACTFILE Eagles: Woodcock; Mills, Ford, Roby, Worrincy; Lindsay, Brambani; Buckenham, Pickering, Stringer, Szostak, Trayler, Whittaker. Subs: McDonald, Craig Brown, Battye, Hepworth. Scorers. Tries: Roby 2, Lindsay, Ford, Woodcock, Worrincy. Goals: Woodcock 5 Dewsbury: Ryan; Colleran, Epati, Hall, Buchanan; Smith Tillotson; Trinder, Haigh, James Walker, Glassie, Wilson, Patrick Walker. Subs: Crawley, Greenwood, Robinson, Woodhead. Scorers. Tries: Etapi 2, James Walker, Colleran, Haigh. Goals: Patrick Walker 4. Referee: James Child Penalties: Eagles 8, Dewsbury 7 Attendance: 815. Man-of-the-match: Dominic Brambani.

Widnes Vikings (H) 14th August 08 - NL1

SHEFFIELD Eagles went down fighting as Widnes Vikings edged them out of the play-off places. The Eagles battled to gain the win that would have put them back in the top six in National League One with one game to play. They matched Widnes try for try in a game decided by two missed conversions and a late penalty for the Vikings. The 26-20 result gave the Eagles only a losing bonus point but Widnes a guaranteed play-off place. Coach Mark Aston accepted that only a set of freak results for other teams will see the Eagles finish in the top six. "The passion, the pride was outstanding, the first 30 minutes we were electrifying." The Eagles scored the first try on eight minutes. Second row Matthew Whitaker started the move which saw a weaving run by fullback Jonny Woodcock before his pass sent centre James Ford in to touch down under the posts. Woodcock added the goal. Eagles extended their lead when Whitaker put Mike Roby through and the centre twisted over and out of the tackle for the try. Woodcock added. A frantic six-minute spell leading up to half-time saw Widnes scored three tries. Hooker Mark Smith dived in from dummy half for the first try. A fumble by Woodcock saw the ball go loose in the in-goal area and winger Dean Gaskell nipped in to touch down. A break by stand-off John Duffy led to centre Steve Tyrer finishing off with the touchdown. Tyrer added the three conversions for a half-time lead of 18-12. Widnes continued the charge from the restart with a high kick by Matty Smith collected by winger Chris Dean who touched down. Tyrer add the goal. Woodcock sent in Roby for his second try - but Woodcock failed with the goal. An off-load by Roby sent Woodcock in for the Eagles fourth try but fullback again couldn't add the vital points. With minutes remaining, Tyrer gave Widnes more breathing space with a penalty. Eagles: Woodcock; Mills, Ford, Roby, Worrincy; Lindsay, Brambani; Howieson, Pickering, Stringer, Szostak, Trayler, Whitaker. Subs: McDonald, Brown, Hill, Buckenham. Widnes: Hardman; Gaskell, Tyrer, Dean, Dodd; Duffy, Matty Smith; Morrison, Mark Smith, Gannon, Patterson, Fletcher, Beswick. Subs: Hartley, Barlow, Morton, Ostick. Scorers: Eagles: Tries - Roby 2, Ford, Woodcock; Goals: - Woodcock 2. Widnes: Tries - Mark Smith, Gaskell, Tyrer, Dean; Goals - Tyrer: 5. Attendance: 1,823.

Whitehaven RLFC (A) 7th August 08 - NL1

SHEFFIELD scored first and last in Cumbria but otherwise they received a real hammering against Whitehaven leaving them clinging onto their National League One play-off place. Eagles opened the scoring when Johnny Woodcock landed a penalty in the third minute, but they struggled to get any quality possession or territory and gradually Haven started to dominate. Grant Edwards thought he has scored on 18 minutes, but the video ref pulled him up for a double movement and that was as close as the visitors came. At the half-time hooter Eagles coach Mark Aston would have been satisfied that his charges were only 10-2 behind, given Haven's total domination of both possession and field position. But Haven put on the pressure, winning with tries by Ade Adebisi, Spencer Miller, Scott McAvoy, Garry Broadbent, Tane Manihera, Craig Calvert, Marc Jackson (2) and Greame Mattinson with eight goals by Manihera. Haven switched off just before the hooter, allowing Rob Worrincy over for a try which Woodcock converted, but it was far too little too late for Eagles. Whitehaven: Broadbent, Calvert, Jackson, Patrick, Adebisi, Manihera, Joe, Edmondson, Mattinson, Hill, Miller, McAvoy, Makisi. Subs: Barker, Jackson, McDonald, Teare. Eagles: Woodcock, Mills, Roby, Reed, Worrincy, Lindsay, Brambani, Buckenham, Edwards, Stringer, Szotak, Traylor, Whittaker. Subs: McDonald, Hayes, Pickering, Brown. Scorers - Whitehaven: Adebisi (1T) Miller (1T) S McAvoy (1T) Broadbent (1T) Manihera (1T) Calvert (1T) M Jackson (2T) Mattinson (1T) Manihera (8G) Sheffield: Worrincy (1T) Woodcock (2G) Att: 1,904

Celtic Crusaders (A) 2nd August 08 - NL1

IT was long coach trip on a hot day to South Wales for no return in points. Celtic Crusaders celebrated their elevation the Super League from 2009 by running in seven tries to one for the Eagles. The Eagles looked sluggish as they hardly touched the ball in the first eight minutes and were hit by an early injury to skipper Jack Howieson that put him out of the game. Mark Lennon gave the Crusaders an early two points with a penalty after only 55 seconds. Former Eagles forward Jordan James, playing at prop, burst over for the first try with Lennon adding the goal. When the Eagles got their first real spell of possession they made it count. Second row Matthew Whitaker made the break and passed to fullback Jonny Woodcock who raced 30 metres before selling a dummy to open the space to touchdown for the try. Woodcock added the goal. Winger Luke Dyer racing in for a try converted by Lennon.Next stand-off Damien Quinn weaved through to touch down and ten minutes from the break forward Philippe Gardent burst through for the fourth try with Lennon adding both goals. The Eagles trailed 26-6 at half-time. The Eagles showed an improvement after the restart but there was no reward in points with Craig Brown – who put in a big set – forcing his way over under the posts but being denied the try for a forward pass. Celtic stepped up a gear and it was a long final 20 minutes. Hooker Budworth burst through for a try and second row Darren Mapp ran in for two touchdowns in three minutes. Factfile Eagles: Woodcock; Mills, Ford, Reid, Worrincy; Lindsay, Brambani, Howieson, Edwards, Stringer, Szostak, Whitaker, Hayes. Subs: McDonald, Brown, Pickering, Buckenham. Scorers. Try: Woodcock. Goal: Woodcock. Crusaders: Duggan; Dyer, Hannay, Dalle Cort, Quinn; Lennon, Blackwood; James Budworth, Dean, Beasley, Mapp, Davies. Subs: Webster, Flower, Gardent, Martin. Scorers. Tries, Mapp 2, James, Dyer, Quinn, Gardent, Budworth. Goals: Lennon: 7. Referee: Thierry Alibert (France) Penalties: Crusaders 9 Eagles 3 Star man: Craig Brown.

Featherstone Rovers (H) 25th July 08 - NL1

ONE kick may have sealed Sheffield Eagles' place in the play-offs. With the sound of the final hooter dying away Dominic Brambani kicked a drop goal that gave the Eagles a vital win over Featherstone. It gives the Eagles a four-point cushion over Rovers who had led for much of the game at Don Valley Stadium. But in front of the biggest crowd of the season, Eagles refused to accept defeat. With big performances from the forwards and stand-off Brendon Lindsay bossing the plays they forced their way back into the game.There were great tries from James Ford and Danny Mills plus another cool display from fullback Jonny Woodcock. "We kept doing some nice things then shooting ourselves in the foot, I'm just relieved to get the three points and to play for 80 minutes, which we haven't done for a time," said coach Mark Aston. "We dug in there and showed a lot of character and ground out the win." The Eagles opened the scoring with fullback Woodcock catching Rovers napping from acting half-back and sneaking in for the try and then adding the goal. Featherstone hit back with a penalty from prop Stuart Dickens and were pinning the Eagles in their half with the pack driving forward. Scrum-half Anthony Thackeray produced a great burst and dummy to score Rovers' first try and Dickens added the goal.The Eagles came back when Brambani's massive high kick was collected in spectacular style by winger Danny Mills to touchdown. Woodcock added the goal. Rovers' substitute prop Matty Dale took hooker Joe McLocklan's short pass to touchdown. Loz Wildbore added the goal. Ford looked to have taken back the lead but his 'try' was ruled out by the video referee and Rovers went in at the break with a 14-12 lead. Five minutes in from the restart a dropped ball by Rob Worrincy gave Rovers possession and a bout of pressure ended with Wildbore crashing over for a try and then converting. Eagles came back with a great drive from second row Matthew Whitaker and a looping pass from Lindsay to send Mills in at the corner for his 14th try of the season. But again Rovers hit back with centre Tommy Saxton's try extending their lead. An interception allowed James Ford the chance to show a clean pair of red boots to the opposition and race 60 metres for a try and Woodcock's conversion narrowed the gap for the Eagles to two points. Penalties from Wildbore and Dickens again pushed out the margin but Rovers were losing the possession battle as the Eagles took control. With seven minutes left a penalty try was awarded to Lindsay after he had followed up his own chip kick and Woodcock's goal levelled the scores. Then as the hooter sounded Brambani delivered the killer drop goal. Sheffield: Woodcock; Mills, Ford, Reid, Worrincy; Lindsay, Brambani; Howieson, Edwards; Stringer, Szostak; Whitaker, Hayes. Subs: Pickering, Buckenham, Brown, Hepworth. Scorers. Tries: Mills 2, Woodcock, Ford, Lindsay (pen try). Goals: Woodcock: 4.Drop Goal: Brambani. Featherstone: Wildbore; Pryce, Saxton, Dooler, Kirk; Kain, Thackeray; Tonks, McLocklan, Dickens, Field, Hirst, Hesketh. Subs: Lee, Dale, Houston, Blakeway. Scorers. Tries: Thackeray, Dale, Wildbore, Saxton. Goals Dickens 3, Wildbore 3. Referee: R.Hicks (Oldham). Attendance: 2107. Starman: Brendon Lindsay

Dewsbury Rams (A) 20th July 08 - NL1

SHEFFIELD Eagles hungon for a vital win over bottom-of-the-table Dewsbury Rams. After leading 30-8 at half-time the Eagles were on the ropes like a punched out boxer in the final minutes. With the teams level on six tries each it came down to a margin of four points – two extra successful conversions by fullback Jonny Woodcock. It started well for the Eagles with prop Mitchell Stringer powering in for his 13th try of the season from Edwards’ pass. Woodcock kicked the first of six goals. Dewsbury came back with a try from winger Bryn Powell but the Eagles were controlling the ball and that was allowing Brendon Lindsay to direct the attacking options. Lindsay’s interception and pass to James Ford had the winger turning up the turbo on his red boots as he raced 80 metres from inside the Eagles half for the second try. Woodcock added the goal. Woodcock took a long pass and weaved his way through a series of attempted tackles to score a great solo try and add the goal. The Eagles were in total control as centre Damien Reid forced his way over near the corner flag and Woodcock added the extras with a touchline conversion. A stunning series of passes sent Woodcock in for the try of the game before kicking the goal. Dewsbury pulled a try back just on half-time from Kane Epati but it seemed the game was over. The second half was a very different story as the Rams forced their way into the game starting with centre Epati’s second try converted by Liam Finn soon after the restart. Edwards went over the try line and Woodcock added the goal for what was to be a vital score but the Eagles were looking increasing sluggish as Lee Lingard, and Powell grabbed tries and Finn found his kicking form. But the Eagles hung on with the Rams having to settle for a try after the hooter had sounded from Chris Charles converted by Finn. Eagles: Woodcock; Mills, Whitaker, Reid, Ford; McDonald, Lindsay; Howieson, Edwards, Stringer, Szostak, Brown, Hayes. Subs: Brambani Corcoran, Pickering, Hepworth. Scorers. Tries: Woodcock 2, Stringer, Ford, Reid, Edwards. Goals: Woodcock 6. Dewsbury: Glynn; Buchanan, Epati, Bostock, Powell; Weedon, Finn; Rourke, Haigh, Maloney, Glassie, Wildey, Crawley; Subs: Tillotson, Charles, Lingard, Trinder. Scorers. Tries: Powell 2, Epati 2, Lingard, Charles. Goals: Finn 4. Referee: Gareth Hewer (Wakefield). Penalties: Eagles 8; Dewsbury 9. Attendance: 810. Starman: Jonny Woodcock.

Whitehaven (H) 11th July 08 - NL1

SHEFFIELD Eagles just could not get their game into gear as their play-off hopes suffered a setback. They were outplayed at their own game by a Whitehaven side who leap-frogged over Eagles into fifth place in National League One with their first away win of the season. The Haven forwards deserve massive praise for the way they took the game to the big Sheffield pack and laid a platform. That gave Leroy Joe, Saia Makisi and Carl Rudd the space and possession to dominate the action and keep Haven moving forward and asking questions. "We were flat," said Eagles coach Mark Aston. "They were in our faces and we didn't handle it. When that happens you have to be really smart and we weren't. We set off really well but then drifted away from the things we had planned." It had seemed set to go to plan when the Eagles took the lead with a first minute penalty in front of the posts kicked by fullback Jonny Woodcock. Eagles looked set to build up a lead when a great angled run saw prop Mitch Stringer take the ball at first receiver and power over for a try. Woodcock added the goal. But Whitehaven came back as Eagles' defence froze as Joe passed to Scott McAvoy for the centre to run through a gap and touchdown. Carl Rudd added the goal. Rudd levelled the scores with a penalty from 40 metres for a high tackle. Whitehaven were taking control and forcing errors by Eagles. Haven took the lead when winger Ade Abebisi dived to collect a chip kick and touchdown. Rudd added the goal. Just before half-time Rudd increased the lead with a penalty to give Haven a 16-8 lead to send Eagles in looking shell-shocked. Whitehaven went further ahead after the restart with a try from second rower Spencer Miller. Rudd added the two points and then increased the lead with a penalty. Midway through the half Eagles enjoyed their best spell and a period of sustained pressure that kept Haven pinned on their line defending. There were a couple of couple of close calls but the Eagles were restricted to a try from centre Damien Reid with Woodcock adding the goal. The game was delayed for a couple of minutes when a water sprinkler went off at the side of the pitch sending a plume of water high in the field of play. Haven made the game safe with a try three minutes from time from hooker Graeme Mattinson. Tane Manihera converted the try and added a penalty just before the hooter. Eagles woes were added to with Paul Pickering and Dominic Brambani being put on report by the referee following incidents during the second half. Eagles: Woodcock; Mills, Reid, Newlove, Ford; Lindsay, Brambani; Buckenham, Hill, Stringer, Szostak, Corcoran, Whitaker. Subs: McDonald, Hayes, Pickering, Rowe. Tries: Stringer, Reid. Goals: Woodcock 3. Whitehaven: Broadbent; Calvert, Jackson, McAvoy, Abebisi; Rudd, Makisi; Edmondson, Mattinson, McDonald, Miller, Hill, Joe. Subs: Manihera, Gorski, Ford Jackson. Tries: McAvoy, Adebisis, Miller, Mattinson. Goals Rudd 6, Manihera 2 Referee: R. Hicks (Oldham) Attendance: 810 Star Man: Jonny Woodcock

Leigh Centurions (A) 29th June 08 - NL1

LEIGH Centurions edged the battle for fourth place in National League One with two late tries denying Sheffield Eagles a bonus point. In a stop-start affair that yielded 24 penalties, Leigh grabbed the first try when Dave McConnell twisted over from close range after 11 minutes for Ian Watson to convert. The Eagles responded with a breathtaking counter attack six minutes later when Rob Worrincy cut loose from Watson's kick. After evading Watson, he raced down the right, outstripping three defenders before offloading to James Ford who then had a clear run to the posts from 50 metres. Johnny Woodcock converted and two further penalties from the Eagles number one after Leigh had been pinged for ball-stealing and offside increased the Sheffield advantage before close range tries by John Cookson and Dave Alstead handed the Centurions a narrow 16-10 lead. Early in the second half Steve Maden finished in the corner to stretch Leigh's advantage but Sheffield responded with enthusiasm and vigour. After driving to the line, Eagles were then able to sucker-punch the Leigh defence when Grant Edwards plunged over by the posts with Woodcock tagging on the simple conversion. Alstead scored a second converted try after 63 minutes following a pressured offload by Damien Reid and the Centurions grabbed another when Ian Mort stepped over two minutes later. Back came the Eagles and six minutes from the end they scored a deserved third try. Quick play from Dominic Brambani and Brendon Lindsay released Woodcock from a scrum and he then added his 5th goal to set up a grandstand finish before Adam Higson and Lee Doran got through the Eagles line in the closing seconds for Ian Watson convert and take away any chance of points. Leigh Mort, Maden, Woodcock, Kohe-Love, Alstead; Marsh, Watson; Morrison, McConnell, Price, Taylor, Doran, Smith. Replacements: Higson, Stewart, Hill, Cookson Sheffield Woodcock, Mills, Ford, Reid, Worrincy; Lindsay, Brambani; Howieson, Hill, Rowe, Whitaker, Szostak, Hayes.Replacements: McDonald, Buckenham, Edwards, Stringer Referee: Craig Halloran

Batley Bulldogs (H) 20th June 08 - NL1

EAGLES kept their grip on fourth place in the league with their first double of the season over Batley Bulldogs. It was a hard earned three points as the Eagles were pushed all the way by a battling Batley side. Sheffield just edged a lively first half thanks to a hat-trick of tries from Jonny Woodcock with the fullback converting his scores. Coach Mark Aston was happy to get the win but added: "It was ugly - sometimes you have to accept it at times. It wasn't vintage rugby but we set off pretty strongly and there was a point where would have been 18-6 up but a try was disallowed and Batley came back. We looked a decent team at times but defensively we were pretty soft and we let 24 points in and that's disappointing." Eagles found it difficult to close the game down with Batley coming back to 24-24 early in the second half. Skipper Jack Howieson put in a big game - his workload added to by an early injury to Ged Corcoran. Second rows Matthew Whitaker and Alex Szostak were also impressive. Batley took the lead with a penalty from Francis Maloney but it only lasted for minutes before the Eagles hit back. A sweeping passing move led to a break by centre Damien Reid, he passed to winger James Ford whose inside pass to Woodcock ended with the fullback sweeping in under the posts. Woodcock added the goal. Batley scored their first try when scrum-half Paul Mennell was allowed to run from nearly half-way to touchdown. Maloney added the goal. Centre Richard Newlove's break sent in Woodcock for his second try, which he converted to put the Eagles back in front. A string of penalties gave Batley possession for a long spell and John Simpson crashed over for Batley near the posts. Maloney added the goal. Seven minutes from the break Woodcock completed his hat-trick of tries before adding the goal to give the Eagles an 18-14 lead at the break. Second row Alex Szostak increased Eagles' lead with a try two minutes after the restart, leaving Woodcock a straightforward conversion. Ashley Lindsay forced his way over for a try to narrow the gap and Batley went level when Kevin Crouthers made an angled run and Maloney converted the try. James Ford's try going into the final 20 minutes put the Eagles back in front with Woodcock adding the goal. The game was halted for 15 minutes for injury to Batley's hooker Richard Colley following a tackle by Alex Rowe. Colley was stretchered off suffering from concussion. Woodcock hit the upright with a penalty attempt from 40 metres. With four minutes to go Batley Ollie Marns was sent to the sin bin and with the next move the Eagles made the game safe with a try in the corner from Richard Newlove. Eagles: Woodcock; Ford, Reid, Newlove, Worrincy; Lindsay, Brambani; Howieson, Pickering, Stringer, Whitaker, Corcoran, Hayes. Subs: Edwards, Trayler, Szostak, Rowe. Tries: Woodcock 3, Szostak, Ford, Newlove. Goals: Woodcock 5. Batley: Preece; McGilvary, Maloney, Holmes, Marnes; Toohey, Mennell; Potter, Colley, England, Crouthers, Spears, Stenchion. Subs: Lindsay, Lythes, Smith, Simpson. Tries: Mennell, Simpson, Lindsay, Crouthers. Goals: Maloney 4. Referee: Jamie Leahy (Dewsbury). Penalties: Eagles 9, Batley 13. Attendance: 812. Starman: Jonny Woodcock.

Salford City Reds (A) 6th June 08 - NL1

The Eagles won't want to remember the trip to league leaders Salford Reds. The form that saw them beat Halifax and draw with Salford at Don Valley deserted them at the Willows. Even before other teams played the result saw the Eagles slip down a place in the league on points difference. The Eagles weren’t helped by having a player sin binned in each half and being hit by penalties at crucial times in the game. Hopes of taking at least a losing bonus point were blown away early in the second half as they were hit with five straight penalties losing possession for long periods and conceding crucial tries. Even the hard graft of forward Jack Howieson and Ged Corcoran or the coolness under pressure of wingers Danny Mills and Rob Worrincy couldn’t make up for the ball possession Salford were given. The Eagles open the scoring as former Salford prop Mitch Stringer crashed over the line from Brendon Lindsay’s pass. Salford hit back helped by a series of penalties that gave them almost constant ball possession in the Eagles’ half. The pressure was increased when second row Matthew Whitaker was sent to the sin bin on 24 minutes. Salford took advantage when substitute Phillip Leuluai blasted over the line. Fullback John Wilshere added the goal. That was to be Salford’s only score of the half as with great runs out of defence by wingers Worrincy and Mills the Eagles hit back. In the final minute of the half the Eagles were awarded a penalty 20 metres out and fullback Jonny Woodcock kicked the goal to level the scores at 6-6. The second half was a very different story as Salford took the lead with a try from fullback Wilshere after the referee dithered then had reversed his decision on a scrum. Helped by a run of possession from penalties the Reds stormed ahead with tries from Craig Stapleton and Richard Myler with Wilshere adding one goal. With Eagles second row Alex Szostak in the sin bin Stephan Ratchford and Paul White added tries with Wilshere kicking the conversions. In the final minutes – as the referee evened out the penalty count - Corcoran ran on to Lindsay’s pass for the Eagles second try. Salford: Wilshere; Gardner, Littler, Bannister, White; Paul, Myler; Jewitt, Alker, Stapleton, Sidlow, Adamson, Turner. Subs: Leuluai, Walton, Ratchford, Highton. Tries: Leuluai, Wilshere, Stapleton, Myler, Ratchford, White.Goals: Wilshere 5 Eagles: Woodcock; Mills, Reid, Newlove, Worrincy; Lindsay, Brambani; Howieson, Hill, Stringer, Whitaker, Corcoran, Hayes. Subs: Edwards, Trayler, Szostak, Rowe. Tries: Stringer, Corcoran. Goals: Woodcock 1. Referee: Jamie Leahy. Penalties: Salford 14 Eagles 10. Sin Binned: Whitaker (24min), Szostak (61) Attendance: 3526. Starman: Jack Howieson.

Halifax (H) 30th May 08 - NL1

AN unstoppable mix of raw power and spectacular breakaway moves saw Sheffield Eagles completely outplay Halifax. The Don Valley crowd were treated to seven tries and a storming performance that left the West Yorkshire side's hope of returning to the top of National League One in tatters. "It's been coming," said coach Mark Aston. "Our attitude in defence and some of the rugby we played with the ball in our hands was outstanding. They had some pressure on us early in the second half but we came through that and then we ripped them to pieces." The Eagles first win over Halifax since their return to the First Division was built on a massive performance by the forwards, who completely dominated the Halifax pack. That opened the way for half-backs Dominic Brambani and Brendon Lindsay to set up the plays and it was topped off by thrilling breakaway tries from wingers Danny Mills and Rob Worrincy. The Eagles started well with former Halifax scum-half Brambani taunting his old club with a series of clever kicks. On seven minutes Brambani, from acting half-back, passed to prop Jack Howieson, who powered over the line. Jonny Woodcock added the goal. Halifax's centre Andy Smith fumbled a pass and Worrincy picked up the loose ball to run 70 metres for the second try. Woodcock again added the goal. Substitute Frank Watene came close to forcing his way over the line for Halifax and hooker Janan Billings was denied a try for a double movement. Sheffield emphasised their dominance when substitute prop Alex Rowe burst through a couple of tackles to storm across the try line. Woodcock added the goal and soon after added a penalty. A minute from half-time Halifax finally got a try when former Doncaster stand-off Graham Holroyd's high kick was collected by centre James Haley, who touched down to cut the Eagles lead at the break to 20-4. Halifax had their best spell after the re-start with hooker Billings driving over for a try from acting half-back and Holroyd adding the goal. Eagles needed a score and got it in spectacular style with winger Danny Mills racing away from acting half just inside his half touchdown. Woodcock added the goal and followed it with a penalty. The screw was turned with rapid-fire tries. Hooker Michael Hill- impressive in his second spell - scored the first and then provided the pass for prop Mitch Stringer to race 25 metres for his touchdown. Woodcock kicked both conversions. It was turning into a rout as Brambani raced under the posts for the seventh try with Woodcock kicking his ninth straight goal. Halifax staged a late flourish with tries from prop Dana Wilson and a second for Billings with Holroyd adding the goals but the game was long over. Eagles: Woodcock; Mills, Ford, Newlove, Worrincy; Lindsay, Brambani; Howieson, Hill, Stringer, Whitaker, Corcoran, Hayes. Subs: Edwards, Trayler, Szostak, Rowe. Tries: Howieson, Worrincy, Rowe, Mills, Hill, Stringer, Brambini. Goals: Woodcock 9 Halifax: Royston; Patterson, Goddard, Haley, Smith: Holroyd, Greenwood; Southern, Billings, Wilson, Larder, Varkulis. Subs: Ratu, Wrench, Heaton, Watene. Tries: Billings 2, Haley, Wilson. Goals; Holroyd 3. Referee: Gareth Hewer (Whitehaven). Penalties: Eagles 13, Halifax 10. Attendance: 1,235. Starman: Dominic Brambani

Widnes Vikings (A) 18th May 08 - NL1

FULL-timers Widnes Vikings put behind them their Challenge Cup defeat to Hull with an unconvincing win against defiant Sheffield Eagles. Eagles boss Mark Aston admitted Widnes should have had the game won by half-time. "It could have been finished by half-time if they had made the most of their possession and we won't get a better chance to come here and get three points than we did today," he said. Vikings opened in style and, when Rob Worrincy dropped a Bob Beswick bomb, quick hands saw Lee Paterson go over in the left centre position on three minutes. Gavin Dodd failed to convert. Eagles came back into it without threatening and the next time Widnes got into an attacking position, on 19 minutes, the visitors were punished again as Danny Hill crashed over in the same channel. Dodd added the extras. Sheffield came back seven minutes later with a good break on the right, left Widnes floundering in defence on the other side of the pitch and sub Alex Szostak reached out to score. Jonny Woodcock goaled. Vikings regained their territorial advantage immediately and Dean Gaskell collected a long, bouncing, speculative kick from Beswick to force his way over wide out. Dodd goaled superbly. But Eagles came back gain thanks to their London factor as Alex Rowe and Worrincy traded stolen balls with Widnes's back three and the visitors had enough momentum for sub Mick Hill to force his way over. Woodcock goaled and 16-12 at half-time was a bonus for the Eagles. Widnes chose to kick a penalty from Dodd early in the second half to make the lead six but an excellent piece of centre play from James Ford gave Danny Mills a walk in on 47 minutes. Woodcock missed the goal and Widnes came right back when Eagles failed to handle the restart and Hill crashed over for his second. Dodd goaled again. Stand in centre Dayne Donoghue failed to touchdown a smart Duffy kick minutes later, a score which would have surely settled the encounter, but he knocked on and with both sides in with a chance it all got a bit tense and it took 17 minutes for Widnes to get downfield and for prop Jim Gannon to take a short Duffy pass to go over. Dodd goaled. But the try of the match came in the last minute when prop Rowe picked up a loose ball, made good ground to the halfway and Woodcock raced in to score. His goal gave credibility to the scoreline. Vikings: Hardman, Gaskell, Donoghue, Grady, Dodd, Paterson, Duffy, Morrison, Smith, Gannon, Hill, Fletcher, Beswick. Subs: Bowman, Barlow, Draper, Kavanagh. Tries: Hill (2), Gaskell, Paterson, Gannon. Goals: Dodd (5) Eagles: Woodcock, Mills, Ford, Newlove, Worrincy, Lindsay, Brambani, Howieson, Pickering, Stringer, Whitaker, Corcoran, Edwards. Subs: Hill, Szostak, Hayes, Rowe Tries: Hill, Woodcock, Szostak, Mills, Goals: Woodcock (3) Referee: Mr G Hewer. Att: 3,891

Salford City Reds (H) 2nd May 08 - NL1

IT must have been the shirts! Sheffield Eagles wearing special blue and white replica kit to mark the 10th anniversary of the their Challenge Cup win came within 15 seconds of taking Salford's unbeaten record. The National League One leaders grabbed a draw with a try as the countdown to the hooter began. Ten years to the day of the historic win, the spirit of the Wembley winners over all conquering Wigan was certainly with Eagles. They gave Salford's former Super League stars, including Robbie Paul, a massive scare and it was Eagles who were disappointed by the result. "The commitment, the attitude was a credit - they were fantastic," said coach Mark Aston. Eagles took the lead after three minutes when Mitch Stringer - who had a season at Salford - ran on to a short pass and crashed over under the posts for the try. Jonny Woodcock added the goal. Richard Myler's high kick was fumbled by Eagles winger Rob Worrincy and centre Matt Gardner picked up to score Salford's first try. The Reds went ahead as Paul and substitute Paul Highton combined to send hooker Malcolm Alker in under the posts with Jordan Turner adding the goal. The part-timers of Sheffield came battling back with Matthew Whitaker and James Ford making the break for stand-off Brendon Lindsay to touchdown under the posts. Woodcock added the goal. Eagles were on a roll and Lindsay turned provider, putting out a long pass for second row Ged Corcorn to take and dive over. Woodcock made it 18-10 lead at half-time. Sheffield then had to soak up pressure but broke away with Ford providing the inside pass for Lindsay to juggle the ball before touching down for his second try. Woodcock kicked his fourth goal. Salford hit back with Alker and Paul sending Craig Stapleton crashing over and Stephan Ratchford added the two points. From then on, it was all Salford but somehow Eagles' defence - with Woodcock outstanding - held until the dying minutes.Loose-forward Turner sidestepped his way in for a try three minutes from time and on 80 minutes winger Paul White grabbed the try that levelled the scores. Ratchford's conversion kick was wide and justice was done for the brave. EAGLES: Jonny Woodcock, Danny Mills, James Ford, Richard Newlove, Rob Worrincy, Brendon Lindsay, Dominic Brambani, Jack Howieson, Craig Cook, Mitch Stringer, Matt Whitaker, Ged Corcoran, Grant Edwards. Subs (all used) Paul Pickering, Tom Buckenham,  Craig Brown, Alex Rowe Tries: Stringer (3), Lindsay (31), (47) Corcoran (34) Goals: Woodcock 4/4 REDS: Karl Fitzpatrick, Daly Williams, Stuart Littler, Matt Gardner, Paul White, Robbie Paul,  Richard Myler, Philip Leuluai, Malcolm Alker, Craig Stapleton, Ian Sibbit, Luke Adamson, Jordan Turner. Subs (all used) Stephen Ratchford, Lee Jewitt, Andrew Brocklehurst, Paul Highton Try: Gardner (14), Alker (27) Stapleton (51), Turner (77) White (80) Goals: Turner 1/ 2, Ratchford 1/3 Men of the Match Eagles: Jonny Woodcock Reds: Malcolm Alker Penalty count: 4-7 Half-time: 18-10 Referee: Michael Dawber (Wigan) Attendance: 1058

Batley Bulldogs (A) 27th April 08 - NL1

UNFUSSY, controlled rugby earned Sheffield Eagles an important win at Batley Bulldogs. It keeps Mark Aston's side in third place in National League One and on target for a play-off place. "Getting the points was the most important thing - it's always tough coming to Batley," said coach Aston. Centre Richard Newlove and Paul Pickering, as substitute hooker, both returned after long injury lay-offs and looked sharp. Second-row forward Matthew Whitaker produced a big 80 minutes and prop Jack Howieson put in good runs and some tasty off-load passes. 1If Batley's plan had been to target Rob Worrincy it back-fired with the winger producing battling runs that took him through tackle after tackle. Eagles opened the scoring when Craig Cook burrowed his way over under the posts after scrum-half Dominic Brambani had been held short of the line. Fullback Jonny Woodcock added the goal. Eagles had to wait until the final ten minutes of the half before they scored again when Lindsay's pass sent substitute forward Tom Buckenham crashing over. Woodcock added the goal and a penalty before Newlove sent in Pickering who twisted his way over the line. Woodcock hit a post with his conversion. James Ford scored the Eagles' fourth try with Woodcock adding the goal. Batley hit back with Danny Maun sidestepping the Eagles' cover to touch down and Paul Mennell added the goal. Ollie Marns took a long pass for a try and slid in for his second in the final minute with Mennell converting the first score. But Eagles'defence had done its job and Batley had to settle for a losing bonus point. BATLEY BULLDOGS: Preece, Marns, King, Maun, Fagborun, Mitchell, Mennell, Stenchion, Lythe, Crouthers, Smith, Spears, Farrell. Replacements: A.Lindsay, Toohey, Henderson, Simpson. SHEFFIELD EAGLES: Woodcock, Mills, Ford, Newlove, Worrincy, B.Lindsay, Brambani, Howieson, Cook, Stringer, Whitaker, Corcoran, Edwards. Replacements: Pickering, Buckenham, Brown, Rowe. REFEREE: Ian Smith (Oldham) SCORERS: BATLEY BULLDOGS: T: Maun, Marns 2 G: Mennell 2 SHEFFIELD EAGLES: T: Cook, Buckenham, Pickering, Ford G: Woodcock 4 ATTENDANCE: 629

Leigh Centurions (H) 13th April 08 - NL1

SHEFFIELD Eagles slumped to a second league home defeat as they failed to raise their game after being hit by a three-try bust early in the second half. All was set up for the Eagles to finish the job after just edging the first 40 minutes. But disaster struck in a six-minute spell soon after the restart and the Eagles proved incapable of raising the tempo of their game. There was almost a sigh of relief when hooker Craig Cook grabbed a try with two minutes to go that ensured a losing bonus. Coach Mark Aston was in no mood for excuses after the lack-lustre display before the biggest crowd of the season at Don Valley. He said: "The boys beat themselves – attitude wise we were off the mark and that's one of the things we have been really strong with so far. But today we weren't at the races from minute one. If the majority of the team don't hit the standards you're not going to win." The Eagles had come back from being 10-0 down in the first half. Leigh took the lead when scrum-half Ian Watson's pass sent fullback Dennis Moran scurrying in at the corner. Watson set up Leigh's second try for second row Adam Thomas then added the goal. The Eagles needed a score and Aston went for shock tactics with a triple substitution bringing on Matt Whitaker, Ged Corcoran and Mitchell Stringer for Jack Howieson, Tommy Trayler and Craig Brown. Leigh's Dave McConnell was sin-binned for knocking the ball out of Cook's hands as he tried for a quick restart. Eagles took advantage with Lindsay and James Ford providing the opening for winger Danny Mills to crash over near the corner flag for his tenth try of the season. Then Lindsay's long pass found Matt Whitaker who provided a short, flat pass for centre Ford to run on and score the try. Woodcock added the goal to level the scores. Three minutes from the break Woodcock kicked a penalty from 38 metres to edge the Eagles 12-10 ahead. It was set up for the Eagles but Leigh spoilt the party with three tries starting on 45 minutes with a touchdown from stand-off Lee Marsh. Next winger Chris Giles added to the Eagles' agony. A disastrous six minutes ended when substitute Ian Mort collected a high kick and scored the try. Mort added the conversion. Hooker Cook then dived over after taking a tap penalty in front of the posts with two minutes to goand Woodcock added the goal. At least the bonus point was safe. Eagles: Woodcock, Mills, Ford, Roby, Worrincy, Lindsay,Brambani, Howieson, Cook, Hepworth, Brown C, Trayler, Hayes. Subs: Whitaker, Buckenham, Corcoran, Stringer Scorers: Mills (28); Ford (31); Cook (79). Goals: Woodcock 3/4 Leigh: Moran,Giles, Roberts, Rudd, Maden, Marsh, Watson, Morrison, McConnell, Price, Thomas, Doran, Taylor. Subs: Mort, Cunniffe, Hill, Cookson Scorers: Moran (12); Thomas (18);Marsh(45); Giles (49); Morts(52,74) Goals: Watson 1/3, Mort 1/3 Sin bin: McDonnell (26) -  Deliberate Offside At 20m Restart Penalties: Sheffield 12 Leigh 7 Attendance:1108 Referee: Ronnie Laughton

Widnes Vikings (A) 6th April 08 - NRC PO

ON the back of a good string of results Sheffield may have arrived at the Stobart Stadium Halton thinking they could put a stop to the Vikings great start to the season. But Widnes got off to a flyer when, on three minutes, Ian Hardman ran on to a John Duffy pass which split the Eagles defence. Tim Hartley converted. Four minutes later more smart hands, this time from Lee Paterson and Hartley, put Gavin Dodd in for Widnes's second try and Hartley's second conversion. With a biting wind behind them Sheffield came back well and had a good spell of possession without initially looking threatening, but when Matt Whitaker and then Jack Howieson were held up over the line their menace seemed to increase. Widnes full-back Scott Yates was forced to recover two Dom Brambani chips to the line with minutes of the half remaining but did it well and the visitors remained scoreless at the break. And they paid for it immediately after the break as a strong run by Tommy Gallagher set up a try for Paterson, which Hartley goaled, and after a Hartley penalty goal in the next set of six, Widnes lead by 20. That was extended on 48 minutes when Mark Smith's thrusting run found Gallagher in support and he fed Hartley outside to score. It took the post and cross bar to deny Hartley his 100% completion rate. Three minutes later Hartley added another penalty after former player Mat Whitaker shortened his working day by 10 minutes through two unnecessarily rough tackles and then Widnes scored the try of the game after a Dean Gaskell run saw support from Smith, Duffy and Patterson for Dodd to score his second. Hartley's conversion hit the post again but he was more successful after Danny Hill hit a flat Smith pass to cross in the 58th minute. Eagles finally got over on 64 minutes following Hill's injudicious high tackle on Alex Rowe saw him sin-binned and the visitors got the ball right for Mike Roby to score. Danny Mills then crossed on 67 minutes, Brambani failed to convert either, but Hartley resumed service with another penalty within two minutes, he then missed another, remarkably hitting the post for a fourth time. Dodd completed his hat-trick with a minute left, shakily dealing with a Brambani chip to the line before collecting, via his shin, and racing 95 metres to score. Hartley goaled. Eagles: Johnny Woodcock, Danny Mills, James Ford, Mike Roby, Rob Worrincy, Brendon Lindsay, Dominic Brambani, Jack Howieson, Craig Cook, Ryan Hepworth, Craig Brown, Tommy Trayler, Adam Hayes. Subs: Matt Whitaker, Alex Rowe, Ged Corcoran, Mitch Stringer

Featherstone Rovers (A) 27th March 08 - NL1

MARK Aston must wish he could bottle this performance and repeat the dose later in the season. The Eagles outplayed Featherstone live on Sky TV to make it two wins out of three in seven hectic days. They became the first team to win at the Chris Moyles Stadium in eight months and moved into third place in the Co-operative National League. The forwards – with Tommy Trayler outstanding – were strong and at the back Jonny Woodcock was cool under pressure. After going behind early the Eagles edged ahead and scrum-half Dominic Brambani set up three tries in the second half to seal the game. Aston said: "To come away with two wins out of three is massive for us and a credit to the squad. Featherstone scored first but then didn't score again until 70 minutes – that's down to attitude and commitment of the players." Eagles went behind before they had touched the ball when Rob Worrincy was out jumped for a cross-field high kick by winger Craig Linguard who touched down. Rovers increased their lead with a Stuart Dickens penalty in front of the posts. The pressure on Eagles increased when Alex Rowe – who had just come off the subs' bench – was sin-binned for holding down in the tackle. Rovers attempted to make the extra man pay but half-backs Brendon Lindsay and Brambani were keeping the Eagles moving and Woodcock was dangerous coming into the line. Lindsay provided the pass for loose forward Adam Hayes to crash over for a try that put the Eagles back in the game with Woodcock adding the goal to level the scores. Woodcock added a penalty after a Rovers' player talked back to the referee and Brambani kicked a drop goal on the stroke of half-time for a 9-6 lead. From the restart the Eagles took control with Brambani producing a 40-metre kick which was fumbled near the touchline for Worrincy to race to touch down under the posts. Woodcock added the goal. Helped by a couple of penalties the Eagles advanced and Brambani provided a short pass for Ged Corcoran to dive over. Woodcock produced a great kick from the touchline to add the goal. Next Brambani's jinking run provided the opening for Worrincy to touch down for his second try. Rovers forced two tries in the final 10 minutes from Wayne Pryce and James Huston. Featherstone Rovers: Wildbore, Pryce, McHugh, Saxton, Lingard, Kain, Handforth, A Tonks,  Eadie, Dickens, Field, Dooler, Haughey. Substitutes: McLocklan, Houston, I Tonks, Kirk Tries Lingard (2), Pryce (71), Houston (74) Goals Dickens 2 Sheffield Eagles: Woodcock, Mills, Ford, Roby, Worrincy, Lindsay, Brambani, Howieson, Cook, Hepworth, Brown, Trayler, Hayes. Substitutes: McDonald, Rowe, Corcoran, Stringer Tries Hayes (32), Worrincy (43, 59), Corcoran (54) Goals Woodcock 4 Drop Goal Brambani Referee: M Dawber (Wigan) Attendance: 1256

Celtic Crusaders (H) 24th March 08 - NL1

SHEFFIELD Eagles produced a classy display of controlled defending to beat Celtic Crusaders and open their account in the Co-operative National League One.  The Welsh side - who did the double over the Eagles in the Northern Rail Cup - dominated possession but were given a lesson in taking chances. Hooker Craig Cook returning after injury added an extra zip and combativeness to the Eagles' play before celebrating with a late try. Backs Rob Worrincy and Danny Mills were cool under pressure and loose forward Adam Hayes put in a big 80 minutes.  For coach Mark Aston it was just the bounce back performance he wanted after defeat at Halifax in the opening league game. "The attitude of the players was first class," he said. "When they have that attitude they take some beating - defensively it is all about attitude. They were committed and deserved that result." Crusaders led by scrum-half Jace Van Dijk penned the Eagles in their 20-metre zone for long periods - particularly in the second half - but found there was no way through.  At the other end it was a different story as the Eagles' hit swiftly and with power when given an opening. The Eagles struck after seven minutes with stand-off Brendon Lindsay and centre James Ford sending Mills powering down the touchline for his eighth try of the season. Scrum-half Dominic Brambani produced a string of precise kicks to touch to switch play. The Eagles second try came from Lindsay's short pass for prop Jack Howieson to blast across the line near the posts with fullback Jonny Woodcock adding the goal. Crusaders hit back when loose forward Damien Quinn broke free in the middle of the Eagles' half before sending winger Paul Ballard on a clear run to touchdown under the posts. Mark Lennon added the goal.The Eagles rode that setback, steadied and replied with Mitch Stringer twisting out of three tacklers to force the ball down - the forward's fifth try in three games. Woodcock added the goal for a 16-6 lead at half-time. The second half was marked by almost constant Crusaders' pressure met by gritty Eagles' defending that saw Welsh players held up over the try line and forced into crucial errors. Celtic's centre Josh Hannay was sent to the sin bin for talking back and Woodcock extended the Eagles' lead with the penalty that had been awarded for holding down. Cook sealed the game with a try on 72 minutes - almost doing a jig as he swept across the try line from Lindsay's pass. Woodcock added the conversion and a minute from time Brambani kicked a drop goal. Factfile: Eagles: Woodcock: Mills, Ford, Roby, Worrincy; Lindsay, Brambani; Howieson, Cook, Hepworth, Brown, Trayler, Hayes. Subs: McDonald, Corcoran, Buckenham, Stringer. Scorers. Tries: Mills, Howisow, Stringer, Cook. Goals: Woodcock: 4. Drop Goal:Brambani Crusaders: Duggan; Ballard, Hannay, Dallecort, Lennon; Webster, Van Dijk; James, Badworth, Tangatat Toa; Beasley, Martin, Quinn. Subs: Blackwood, Summers, I'Anson, Dean. Scorers.Tries: Ballard, Goal: Lennon. Referee: R Hicks (Oldham). Penalties: Eagles 11, Crusaders 8. Attendance: 665. Man of the match: Craig Cook.

Halifax RLFC(A) 20th March 08 - NL1

SHEFFIELD Eagles were blown away by three touchdowns in the first ten minutes. Halifax were helped by some poor defending that left the Eagles always chasing the opening game in the Co-operative National League One. It was easy to see why Halifax are one of the title favourites. Led by former Doncaster half-back Graham Holroyd they played fast passing rugby. "Halifax are a quality team and gave us a lesson on taking opportunities," said Eagles' coach Mark Aston. "We're disappointed because we let 50 points in." Halifax scored a try after just 60 seconds when winger Lee Patterson dropped on a chip kick. Hooker Sean Penkywicz almost strolled through the Eagles defence from acting half-back to score the second under the posts and scrum-half Mick Govin's power run from 15 metres added to the agony. Holroyd kicked all three goals. The Eagles desperately needed a score but they met a strong home defensive before substitute forward Alex Rowe made an instant impact - going from acting half-back to force his way over the try line and Woodcock added the goal. But Fax showed their cutting edge with a run down the line by Royston sending in fullback Shad Royston for the touchdown. Holroyd added the goal. A high cross-field kick by scrum-half Dominic Bambani was collected by winger Danny Mills who crashed over near the corner flag. On half-time Halifax again opened up the Eagles' defence with winger Paterson scoring his second try. Holroyd added the goal for a 30-10 lead. The second half opened Royston plundering his second try followed by a touchdown for sub James Haley. Holroyd kicked oneof the goals. A string of penalties gave the Eagles possession and prop Mitch Stringer crashed over under the posts with Woodcock adding the goal. Govin added to the Eagles misery as he jinked his way in for his second try and Royston raced in to complete his hat-trick try. Halifax: Royston; Paterson, Goddard, Ratu, Smith; Holroyd, Govin; Southern, Penkywicz, Wrench, Larder, Smith, Greenwood. Subs: Billings, Haley, Heaton, Wilson. Scorers:Tries: Paterson 3; Penkywicz; Southern Royston 2; Haley; Govin; Greenwood. Goals: Holroyd 6/10. Eagles: Woodcock; Mills, Ford, Roby, Hurst; Lindsay, Brambani; Howieson, Edwards, Stringer, Brown, Corcoran, Hayes. Subs: Hill, Buckenham, Morrow, Rowe. Scorers: Tries: Rowe (19); Mills (37,76); Stringer (50,74). Goals :Woodcock 4/5 Sin bin: (Ford 70 min Professional Foul) Referee D Merrick Attendance: 1654

London Skolars (A) 15th March 08 - NRC

SHEFFIELD Eagles swept aside a competitive London Skolars side in the second half to boost morale ahead of the start of the league season. The style of the win was just what coach Mark Aston wanted to banish the Challenge Cup defeat by French side Lezignan. “We got what we needed a win and freshened a couple of players up,” he said. “Our effort and application was very good."   Aston took no chances with players carrying even a minor injury. That saw a start for Australian Dane McDonald at stand-off and a bench packed with forwards. Aston used that power to good effect with a series of substitutions that kept the pressure on the Skolars. Prop Mitch Stringer was in the starting line-up and produced a dominant performance. For a player whose main role is to make the hard yards he gained the bonus of two tries – matching his total for last season. Scrum-half Dominic Brambani was a bundle of energy and positive play and Ged Corcoran put in solid spells. Skolars took the lead when a high kick took a wicked bounce behind the posts and prop James Louw picked up to touchdown. The Eagles helped by a series of penalties dominated the possession and hit back with substitute Alex Rowe scoring his first try for the club from hooker Grant Edwards’ pass out of the tackle. Jonny Woodcock added the goal. Hill and McDonald set up the second for loose forward Adam Hayes for a 10-6 lead at half-time. Two penalties kicked by Paul Thorman put the Skolars level soon after the restart but Eagles regained the lead with a try from Stringer and the goal and a penalty kicked by Woodcock. A try by winger Corey Simms edged the Skolars closer but the Stringer’s second try from Brambani’s pass ended any fight back and tries from centre Mike Roby and winger Danny Mills closed down the game. Woodcock ended with five goals. FACTFILE Skolars: Coleman; Simms, Davui, Miller, Aggrey; Nissen, Thorman; Barber, Honor, Louw, Shears, Daly, Ribot. Subs: Heilig, Osborn, Promfret, Rasaubale. Scorers.Tries: Louw, Simms. Goals Thorman: 3. Eagles: Woodcock; Mills, Ford, Roby, Hurst; McDonald, Brambani; Buckenham, Edwards, Stringer, C. Brown, Corcoran, Hayes. Subs: Hill, Rowe, Morrow, Hepworth. Scorers.Tries: Stringer 2, Rowe, Hayes, Roby, Mills. Goals: Woodcock 5. Referee: James Leathy. Penalties: Eagles 11, Skolars 8. Attendance: 255.

Lezignan XIII (H) 7th March 08 - CCC

SHEFFIELD Eagles were brushed aside by French side Lezignan in this third round Carnegie Challenge Cup clash. After a strong first half - at one point they led 16-0 - the Eagles were hit by two questionable tries soon after half-time. They recovered briefly but were then blasted away by a team that moved the ball quicker and finished much stronger. Brendon Lindsay and Craig Cook had set up the opening try for second row Tommy Trayler and fullback JonnyWoodcock added the goal. It was followed by a touchdown by winger Greg Hurst and Lindsay grabbed the third try from dummy half with Woodcock adding the goal for a 16-0 lead. Four minutes from the break Lezignan hit back with a try from centre Jay Mullane with scrum-half Nicolas Munoz adding the goal. Lezignan scored two quick tries but disputed tries soon after the restart - the first by winger Frederic Marcerou from an outrageous forward pass and the second a doubtful touchdown by fullback Jarred Taylor with Munoz kicking both goals. A second try for Lindsay from a Dominic Brambani chip restored the Eagles' lead, Woodcock adding the goal. That only lasted minutes as Lezignan hit back with a try from Mullane with Muzon adding the goal. James Wynne followed it with a drop goal. Australian prop Chris Beattie made the game safe with a try and two minutes from time Mullane completed his hat-trick with a 55-metre try. Munoz converted both tries. Sheffield: Woodcock; Mills, Ford, Roby, Hurst; Lindsay, Brambani; Howieson, Cook, Buckenham, Craig Brown, Trayler, Edwards. Subs: Hayes, Corcoran, Rowe, Stringer. Scorers. Tries: Lindsay 2, Trayler, Hurst. Goals: Woodcock 3. Lezignan XIII: Taylor; Marcerou, Mullane, Bringuier, Janzac; Wynne, Munoz; Beattie, Lacans, Rovira, Tribillac, Romero, Brown. Subs: Manessi, Aussaguel, Tisseyre, Ancely. Scorers. Tries: Mullane 3, Marcerou, Taylor. Bettie. Gols Munoz 6. Drop Goal Wynne. Referee: Paul Carr (Castleford). Attendance: 376

Doncaster RLFC (H) 2nd March 08 - NRC

HALF-BACK Brendon Lindsay produced a masterclass to give Sheffield Eagles a double over Doncaster in the Northern Rail Cup. Eagles' coach Mark Aston said: "We have come away with the performance we needed. The ball control in the first half was massive and that put us in a good position to win the game. We looked a bit smarter and asked a few more questions. Brendon Lindsay was great - he set the tone for us with the kick for the first try. Craig Brown came back from injury and was immense. Doncaster are a quality team - just look at their bench - this was a nice win." The win wipes out the memory of the a dismal performance against London Skolars in the last round and keeps alive hopes of qualifying for the knock-out stages. Eagles were strong in defence and going forward Lindsay dominated with his passing and kicking game. Second row Craig Brown celebrated his 150th game for the Eagles with the opening try on four minutes when he dropped on a chip kick from Lindsay as the Dons' defence dithered. Fullback Jonny Woodcock added the goal. Winger Danny Mills was also to cause problems for his old club with his runs out of defence. The Eagles second try came with second row Tommy Trayler putting in the final key burst on the left before passing to Woodcock who went in near the corner and added the goal. The Dons got some reward with centre Zeb Luisi making the break and sending Colton on a 20-metre run to score under the posts. Kyle Briggs added the goal. A long pass from Lindsay set up the Eagles next try for centre Mike Roby who twisted out of a tackle to crash over the line. Woodcock hit the upright with his conversion attempt. Doncaster kept in the game with Luisi and Buttery setting up centre Andreas Bauer to finish with the touchdown. Briggs' kick was short for a 16-10 lead to the Eagles at the break. Doncaster made little impression after the restart and errors were starting to creep into their game. Dean Colton was sin binned after he prevented a quick play the ball. Woodcock kicked the penalty. Midway through the half the Eagles surged ahead when Lindsay's long pass missed out two players and Mills crashed in at the corner. This time Woodcock's kick hit the upright but dropped over for the extras. Next Lindsay picked up a loose ball and sent play over to the Eagles' right where Grant Edwards and Brown sent in Roby for his second try. Castle burst over with five minutes to go and Briggs added the goal for Doncaster but the Eagles had the final say with Edwards scoring in the last minute, with Woodcock kicking his sixth goal. EAGLES 1 Johnny Woodcock, 2 Danny Mills, 3 James Ford, 4 Mike Roby, 5 Greg Hurst, 6 Dane McDonald, 7 Brendon Lindsay, 8 Jack Howieson, 9 Craig Cook, 10 Tom Buckenham, 11 Craig Brown, 12 Tommy Trayler, 13 Grant Edwards, Subs (all used) 14 Dominic Brambani, 15 Kyle Bibb, 16 Adam Hayes, 17 Mitch Stringer Tries: Brown (4), Woodcock (16), Roby (32, 68), Mills (64), Edwards (79) Goals: Woodcock 6/7 DONS 1 Luke Gale, 2 Dean Colton, 3 Shaun Leaf, 4 Zeb Luisi, 5 Andreas Bauer, 6 Kyle Briggs, 7 Kyle Woods, 8 Alex Benson, 9 Corey Lawrie, 10 Craig Lawton, 11 Chris Buttery, 12 Jason Hart, 13 Peter Green, Subs (all used) 14 Scott Jones, 15 Chris McKenna, 16 Mark Castle, 17 Jamie Thackray Tries: Colton (25), Bauer (37), Castle (76) Goals: Briggs 2/3 Sin bin: Dean Colton (57) – Lying on in tackle (professional foul). Penalty count: 6-10 Referee: Michael Dawber (Wigan) Attendance: 942

London Skolars (H) 22nd February 08 - NRC

THIS was a game to forget – except for London Skolars. The visitors gained their first win in the Northern Rail Cup and their first ever victory at Don Valley. For the Eagles the only positive in Mark Aston book was Yusuf Sozi’s first game for the club after 18 months battling back from a broken leg. The Eagles were outplayed in just about every department by a London side. Aston said: “There are no positives – except having Yusus Sozi back. I’m not looking for excuses - it was a real massive disappointment for us.” The Eagles came back from early tries to take the lead late in the first half but in the second they were rarely in the game as the Second Division side cruised to a win. Sheffield were given an early warning of what was to come as poor defence allowed Paul Thorman to send in centre David Miller for the first try to the Skolars with Thorman adding the goal. Thorman set up the second as he was allowed to twist out of a tackle and pass to Miller who claimed his second touch down. Thorman again added the goal. Eagles hit back with fullback Jonny Woodcock setting up prop Mitch Stringer for a try and they kept up the pressure with substitute Kyle Bibb with only his first touch of the ball powering in for the second try. London edged ahead with a try in the corner from centre Corey Simms but again the Eagles hit back with second rower Nick Turnbull producing a 25-metre burst for a try. Woodcock added the gaol to level the scores. Winger Danny Mills squeezed in at the corner to put the Eagles in the lead with Woodcock adding the goal. That only lasted minutes as Chris Shears powered in from acting half-back on the stroke of half-time and with Thorman adding the goal the sides went in level at 22-22. London swept into the lead with two quick tries after the restart. Fullback Jermaine Coleman took a monster high kick to score then second row Rubert Jonkers raced in to touchdown with Thorman adding both goals. The Eagles came back with a try by Brendon Lindsay – one of the players who never stopped battling - converted by Woodcock but it was a brief respite. London blasted ahead with tries from Warren Heilig, converted by Thorman and Miller who completed his hat-trick.  Winger Austen Aggrey forced his way over and Thorman kicked the goal to bring up 50 points for London. It was long over as a contest when centre Mike Roby scored a try three minutes from time for the Eagles. Eagles: Woodcock; Mills, Ford, Roby, Worrincy; Lindsay, Brambani; Howieson, Hill, Stringer, Turnbull, Trayler, Hayes. Subs: McDonald, Morrow, Bibb, Sozi. Scorers. Tries: Stringer, Bibb, Turnbull, Mills, Lindsay, Roby. Goals: Woodcock 4. London: Coleman; Simms, Davui, Miller, Aggrey; Thorman, Nowland; Osborn, Nissen, Ellison, Heilig, Daly, Griffiths. Subs: Louw, Jonkers, Ribot, Shears. Scorers: Miller 3, Simms, Shears, Coleman, Jonkers, Heiig, Aggrey. Goals: Thorman 7 Referee: C Halloran (Dewsbury) Penalties. Eagles: 11 London 7 Sin binned: Leigh Nissen 79min. Attendance: 669

Celtic Crusaders (A) 16th February 08 - NRC

SHEFFIELD Eagles fell to their second defeat in three weeks to Welsh club Celtic Crusaders as they went down 34-14 on a bitterly cold night in Bridgend. Despite the defeat, Eagles are still favourites to clinch second spot in Northern Rail Cup Group Three but they know they must win their three remaining group matches in order to qualify for the knock-out stages. The full-time Welsh side sealed the match in the first half going 20 points up in as many minutes and the result was never in doubt after that. Eagles were six points down after only three minutes. Ian Webster went over in the corner with Jace Van Dijk kicking the tricky conversation. It was 12-0 from the next attack when Tony Duggan forced his way over the line and Van Dijk converted again. Mark Lennon finished off a fine passing move by grounding in the corner on 14 minutes for Crusaders' third try of the evening while Mark Dalle Cort went over from dummy half on the fifth tackle to make the score 20-0. Lennon scored under the sticks for his second try just before the interval with Van Dijk kicking the extras to make the half-time score 26-0. There could have been a further try from kick-off in the second half but Paul Ballard was stopped in his tracks and the ball went into touch rebounding off Rob Worrincy. But from the resulting scrum, Damien Quinn forced his way over to make the score 30-0. Eagles finally got on the board in the 48th minute after Mitch Stringer went in under the posts and Johnny Woodcock easily kicked the conversion. And there was a glimpse of hope when Rob Worrincy added another in the corner from the first set after kick-off to bring the score back to 30-10. Crusaders restored the balance on the hour with a Paul Ballard try before Worrincy went over for his second to cap a creditable second half display, but it wasn't enough even to earn the Eagles a bonus point. EAGLES: 1. Johnny Woodcock, 2. Danny Mills, 3. Mike Roby, 4. Dane McDonald, 5. Rob Worrincy, 6. Brendon Lindsay, 7. Dominic Brambani, 8. Jack Howieson, 9. Craig Cook, 10. Kyle Bibb, 11. Nick Turnbull, 12. Tommy Trayler, 13. Adam Hayes. Subs: 14. Grant Edwards, 15. Mitch Stringer, 16. Tom Buckenham, 17. Ryan Hepworth. Tries: Stringer (48), Worrincy (51, 65) Goals: Woodcock 1/2 Attendance: 1,006 Half-time:26-0 Referee: Craig Halloran (Dewsbury) Penalties: 8-9

Doncaster RLFC (A) 8th February 08 - NRC

SHEFFIELD Eagles celebrated their 250th game since being reformed in 1999 by beating derby rivals Doncaster 16-6 in the Northern Rail Cup Group Three at the Keepmoat Stadium. But Eagles, who also retained the South Yorkshire Cup, remain below the Dons in the table on points difference as a result of a last-minute try by scrum-half Luke Gale. Gale latched on to a grubber-kick by Eagles' influential stand-off Brendon Lindsay, and raced 60 metres to score the try which gave his side a bonus point. Gale had been prominent in the first quarter, directing operations behind a pack which more than matched the League One side. Both prop Alex Benson and skipper Peter Green were denied just short of the line during a spell of impressive play by Ellery Hanley's side. The introduction of new loan signing from Wakefield Kyle Bibb, and Ryan Hepworth, helped boost Eagles' pack power. With second-rower Tommy Trayler, the game's best forward, and hooker Craig Cook, also catching the eye, Eagles started to get on top. Eagles broke the deadlock on 28 minutes when full-back Johnny Woodcock raced on to a short ball by Cook 15 metres out and he broke full-back Andreas Bauer's tackle just short of the line and ran nearer to the posts to give himself an easier conversion. It needed a try-saving tackle by Lindsay to deny Dons half-back Kyle Wood 15 metres out on the half-hour. Eagles doubled their lead with a disputed try on 36 minutes. Centre Richard Newlove intercepted a long pass by Dons hooker Corey Lawrie 25 metres out. He raced clear only to be overhauled by the Dons cover. Winger Rob Worrincy took play on from where Dane McDonald crossed from acting half-back. McDonald lost the ball over the line but it rolled back for winger Danny Mills to touch down for a second converted try to earn Eagles a flattering 12-0 lead. Dons were reduced to 12 men on 38 minutes when Bauer was sin-binned for an offence at the play-the-ball. Woodcock's penalty came back off the posts, but Eagles stayed on the attack and Lindsay went over from acting half-back in the corner after Trayler had been held just short following a strong burst. Woodcock failed to add the touchline conversion, but at 16-0 the Eagles were flying high at the break. The second half was mainly scrappy littered with handling errors, particularly by the Dons who threw caution to the wind at time in their efforts to get back into contention. Eagles had the chance to kill the game off on 53 minutes. But Worrincy, who would have backed himself to score had he taken the ball, put down McDonald's pass 35 metres out. Dons youngster Scott Jones got over the line on 62 minutes but the referee adjudged that Worrincy had been obstructed trying to field Gale's high kick. Just as it looked as though the never-say-die Dons would end empty handed, Gale breezed in for try which could prove crucial in terms of qualifying for the knockout stages. Eagles boss Mark Aston said: "Credit to Doncaster for frustrating us. The try at the end, coming from a mistake, summed up the game." Dons: Bauer, Colton, Leaf, Munro, Brown, Crook, Gale, Benson, Lawrie, Lawton. Buttery, Hart, P Green. Subs: Wood, Jones, Faal, Haley. Scorers: Try: Gale. Goal: Crook Eagles: Woodcock, Mills, Roby, Newlove, Worrincy, Lindsay, Brambani, Howieson, Cook, Buckenham, Brown, Trayler, Hayes. Subs: McDonald, Corcoran, Bibb, Hepworth. Scorers: Tries: Woodcock, Mills, Lindsay. Goals: Woodcock 2/4 Referee: Paul Carr (Castleford) Attendance: 1,010

Celtic Crusaders (H) 1st February 08 - NRC

SHEFFIELD Eagles caught a cold on a chilly night at Don Valley as Celtic Crusaders edged them out of a win in their opening group game of the Northern Rail Cup. After blasting their way back to draw level at 12-12 a couple of moments of slackness allowed the South Wales side to grab two late tries. "We looked strong and there were plenty of positives," said coach Mark Aston. "Generally we were strong defensively. The disappointing thing is that a few errors cost us the game - we've got to learn from that." Aston gave debuts to Hallam University student Mike Roby and Australians Michael Hill and Dane McDonald. Roby and Grant Farrow made up an inexperienced centre combination that took time to settle and was tested by an experienced Crusaders' back line. The Eagles looked like a side that hadn't played since September as they made a sluggish start and paid the price. Celtic dominated the early possession with scrum-half Jace Van Dijk and stand-off Ian Webster moving the ball out with speed. Crusaders took the lead with a try from winger Paul Ballard after a passing move involving former Widnes man Webster, Mark Dalle Court and Damien Quinn. The lead was doubled when Webster and Quinn sent in ex-Hull KR winger Luke Dyer. The Eagles got back into the game with stand-off Brendon Lindsay getting some organisation into their play. Forwards Tom Buckenham and Craig Brown were solid and Tommy Trayler started to look a threat running off Lindsay's short passes. The reward came after a period of pressure with loose-forward Adam Hayes producing the break and final pass for Roby to touchdown. But Celtic hit back on the stroke of half-time with fullback Tony Duggan coming into the line and taking second rower Terry Martin's pass to touchdown.The 12-4 deficit at the break flattered the visitors. Soon after the restart Grant Edwards - on at hooker for Hill - gave the Eagles a boost forcing his way across the line from dummy half. The Eagles kept up the pressure with Lindsay at the centre of the action.  They drew level when Van Dijk fumbled near the Crusaders' line and winger Danny Mills collected the ball and touched down. But a knock on by Edwards at the other end led to Duggan's second try to restore Celtic's lead. Mills almost put the Eagles back level but was judged to have knocked in a scramble near the corner flag. In the dying second Ballard swept in for his second try from Dalle Court's pass. Van Dijk, on a difficult night for kickers, finally put the ball between the sticks to add the two points. For the Eagles there were thoughts of what might have been and the consolation of a bonus point for keeping the scoring margin down to less than 12 points. Eagles: Woodcock; Mills, Farrow, Roby, Hurst; Lindsay, Brambani; Howieson, Hill, Buckenham, Craig Brown, Trayler, Hayes. Subs: McDonald, Turnbull, Edwards, Stringer. Scorers: Tries - Roby, Edwards, Mills. Celtic Crusaders: Duggan; Ballard, Quinn, Dalle Cort, Dyer; Webster, Van Dijk; Dean, Budworth, Tanga Toa, Martin, Mapp, Beasley. Subs: I'Anson, Summers, Vitalini, James. Scorers: Tries - Ballard 2, Duggan 2, Dyer. Goals Van Dijk 1. Referee: Ben Thaler (Wakefield) Penalties: Eagles 5, Celtic 7. Attendance: 773.