Updated 3-9-2010

NRC: Northern Rail Cup   CHA: Co-operative Championship   CCC: Challenge Cup

 (Fixtures Subject To Change – see www.sheffieldeagles.com for up to date information).

Wem – Wembley, B/pool – Blackpool, DVS – Don Valley Stadium, BL – Bramall Lane

Click here for a printable version

Read how the Eagles are progressing in 2010

Match Reports

Eagles are in the second round of the Championship play-offs after a battling win at Leigh Centurions.

They had to overcome the loss of fullback Misi Taulapapa after only a minute’s play but edged into the next round with a winger Tim Bergin second try of the game three minutes from time.

Soon after Taulapapa’s injury the Eagles took advantage of Leigh’s Chris Hill being sin binned to take the lead with Bergin going in at the corner for an unconverted try.

The Centurions hit back with Dave Armistead going over under the posts and Mick Nanyn adding the goal.

Joe Hirst, who had moved to centre after Taulapapa’s injury, put the Eagles back ahead when he finished a weaving break by Peter Green to claim an unconverted try.

Robbie Paul’s short pass send forward Paul Smith crashing over the try line and with Nanyn adding the goal Leigh were back ahead.

Centre Menzie Yere touched down after a scramble near the Leigh corner flag to level the scores with Simon Brown again unable to add the two points.

With three minutes to the break Nanyn dived in at the corner and added the two points from the touchline for the home side to lead 18-12.

Yere went in for his second try two minutes after the restart but again Brown could not add the goal with yet another kick from the touchline.

It seemed Leigh had got the crucial score with Steve Nash’s try converted by Nanyn increasing the home side’s lead to 24-16.

The Eagles kept coming back with the video referee awarding a penalty try to Alex Szostak. Brown added the goal and the Eagles were just two points behind.

Tangi Ropati and Brendon Lindsay almost opened the Leigh defence and the video referee ruled out a score for Yere. The vital try came with three minutes to go as Bergin took Hirst’s pass to dive over. Brown could not add the goal and the final minutes seemed like hours the Eagles held on.

The Eagles now face either Barrow Raiders or Widnes Vikings in the second elimination round as they battle for a place in the Grand Final.

Leigh: Stuart Donlan; Steve Madden, Matty Blythe, Mick Nanyn, Adam Higson; John Duffy, Robbie Paul; Chris Hill, Dave McConnell, Mike Morrison,Paul Smith, James Taylor, Dave armistead. Subs: Ricky Bibey, Steve Nash, Martyn Ridyard, Tyrone McCarthy.

Tries: Armistead (6), Smith (29), Nanyn (37), Nash (53). Goals: Nanyn 4/4.

Sheffield Eagles

Eagles: Misi Taulapapa, Danny Mills, Menzie Yere, Tangi Ropati, Tim Bergin; Brendon Lindsay, Simon Brown; Jack Howieson, Craig Cook, Mitch Stringer, Alex Szostak, Peter Green, Joe Hirst. Subs: Trevor Exton, Ryan Hepworth, Michael Haley, Andrew Henderson.

Tries: Bergin (2,77), Hirst (11), Yere (33,42), Szostak (60, penalty try). Goals: Brown 1/6.

Referee: Robert Hicks.

Penalties: 4-3.

Attendance: 1560.

Jim Collins

EAGLES BOOK PLAY-OFF PLACE

Sheffield Eagles 29 Leigh Centurions 28

Eagles are in the play-offs. The win over Leigh Centurions, in the final round of league games, made sure of a top-six finish.

With Leigh taking third place the Eagles are set to travel to the Sports Village in the first kickout round.

Before the game the Eagles honoured their former player Liam Brentley who was shot and wounded while serving with the Royal Marines in Afghanistan.

The 25-year-old played in 2005 and 2006 seasons. He was presented with a notebook computer and there was a ‘bucket’ collection taken at the game.

The game was also the final home appearance for stand-off Brendon Lindsay who is returning to Australia after four years with the Eagles.

A hat-trick of tries for fullback Misi Taulapapa helped the Eagles to storm ahead in the first half after Leigh had taken an early lead.

Mick Nanyn’s try put the visitors ahead but the Eagles hit back with Menzie Yere setting up Taulapapa’s first try with Samoan international going in under the posts. Simon Brown added the goal.

Leigh came back with a Lee Mitchell try and a Nanyn goal but Tim Bergin levelled the scores with an unconverted try.

Two tries from Taulapapa in the final four minutes of the half put the Eagles in control. The first was a 90-metre burst and he completed his hat-trick from an angled run. Brown added both goals.

Tries form John Duffy and Nanyn with the centre kicking both goals put Leigh back level at 22-22.

Andrew Henderson and Taulaupapa combined to put hooker Craig Cook under the posts with Brown adding the goal for the Eagles to take back the lead.

Desperate defending kept Leigh out as they pinned the Eagles back in search of a try.

Brown produced the goods with drop goal two minutes from time to extend the lead beyond a single converted try - that proved vital as Ricky Bibey grabbed a try in the final seconds, converted by Nanyn, but the Eagles were in the play-offs.

Eagles: Misi Taulapapa, Danny Mills, Menzie Yere, Tangi Ropati, Tim Bergin; Brendon Lindsay, Simon Brown; Jack Howieson, Craig Cook, Mitch Stringer, Alex Szostak, Joe Hirst, Peter Green. Subs: Trevor Exton, Ryan Hepworth, Michael Haley, Andrew Henderson.

Tries: Taulapapa (14,36,39), Bergin (25), Cook (67). Goals: Brown 4/5. Drop goal Brown (78).

Leigh: Stuart Donlan; Steve Madden, Matty Blythe, Mick Nanyn, Adam Higson; John Duffy, Robbie Paul; Chris Hill, Dave McConnell, Ricky Bibey, James Taylor, Tyrone McCarthy, Lee Mitchell. Subs: Martyn Ridyard, Dave Armitstead, Mike Morrison, Goulden.

Tries: Nanyn (5, 59), Mitchell (21), Duffy (47), Bibey (80). Goals: Nanyn (4/5)

Referee: Gareth Hewer.

Penalties: 5-5

Attendance: 1243.

Jim Collins

NO JOY AT WIDNES

Eagles face having to win their final game of the season if they are to make the play-offs after defeat at top-six rivals Widnes Vikings.

A couple of cruel bounces of the rugby ball saw the Eagles go behind in the game but they almost forced their way back with a great spell in the second half.

Prop forward Jack Howieson was named in the subs, his first game for the Eagles after five months off following arm and knee injuries.

The Eagles faced a torrid opening spell as Widnes dominated possession and took up residence in the final 20 metres for long spells.

Widnes took the lead with a scrappy try after a fumbled a chip from Anthony Thackeray and the video ref ruled that Dean Gaskell had touched down. Danny Craven added the goal.

Howieson came into the action but it was the video ref came to the Eagles aid as he ruled out a touchdown by Jim Gannon.

The respite didn’t last long as kick from Craven hit the post and a wicked bounce gave Chris Gerrard and easy touched down. Craven added the goal.

The Eagles pack was holding the Vikings and as the half went into its final minutes they dragged the play into the Widnes 20 metres zone. A scrum set up the position and centre Tangi Ropati provided the final spark with cross field run before passing to Bergin who weaved his way past a couple of Widnes players for the try.

Simon Brown couldn't add the conversion but at  12-4 down at half-time the Eagles were in the game.

Disaster struck three minutes after the restart as a pass was intercepted by Thackeray who ran the length of the field to score under posts and Craven added the goal.

The Eagles blasted back and with their best rugby of game laid siege to the Vikings line with Menzie Yere, Mitch Stringer, Ryan Hepworth and Joe Hirst going close to claiming a try.

It was complete reversal of the first half with the Eagles dominating possession and Widnes scrambling to defend their line.

The try finally came on 61 minutes with from a scrum Brendon Lindsay’s pass finding Misi Taulapapa who blasted across the line. Brown added the goal.

The pressure couldn’t last and a try and goal from Craven restored Widnes’ points cushion. A late Gerrard try and Craven goal gave a final score line that flatter Widnes.

Widnes: Danny Craven; Dean Gaskell, Matt Gardner, Richard Varkulis, Paddy Flynn; Chris Gerrard, Anthony Thackeray; Daniel Heckenberg, Mark Smith, Jim Gannon, Lee Doran, Kurt Haggerty, Ben Kavanagh. Subs: Steve Pickersgill, Dave Houghton, Tom Kelly, Thomas Coyle..

Tries: Gaskell (11), Gerrard (21,77), Thackeray (43), Craven (66). Goals: Graven 5/5.

Eagles: Misi Taulapapa, Danny Mills, Menzie Yere, Tangi Ropati, Tim Bergin; Brendon Lindsay, Simon Brown; Ryan Hepworth, Craig Cook, Mitch Stringer, Alex Szostak, Peter Green, Joe Hirst. Subs: Jack Howieson, Alex Rowe, Trevor Exton, Andrew Henderson.

Tries:  Bergin (35),Taulapapa (61). Goals: Brown 1/ 2

Referee: Ronnie Laughton.

Penalties: Widnes 7 Eagles 4.

Attendance: 2659.

Jim Collins

Co-operative Championship, Bramall Lane, Sunday 8 August 

Eagles couldn't keep the winning run going as they went down to Halifax on their return to Bramall Lane.

It started well with a try from the first play but in a foretaste of what was to come from both sides the errors also started early.

Halifax sealed the game with an impressive three-try bust midway through the second half, just as it seemed the Eagles were about to come back.

A couple of late tries for centre Tangi Ropati almost salvaged a bonus point for the Eagles but they go to Widnes on Thursday just three points ahead of their main rivals for a top-six finish.

Mark Aston gave home debuts for Simon Brown and Andrew Henderson. Rob Worrincy was ruled out for Halifax with a hamstring injury. Back rower Sam Barlow was not allowed to play against his old club under the deal that saw him move to the Shay last month.

The Eagles made a confident start and scored a try with their first attack. Scrum-half Simon Brown put in a 40-20 kick and from the scrum the ball was flashed across the field to centre Menzie Yere who had an easy run through the Halifax line to touchdown. Tim Bergin’s attempted conversion was wide.

Sloppy handling wasted good positions for both teams but Halifax got it right as centre Dylan Nash produced a break and hand-off that took him past Yere before passing inside for Lee Paterson to claim the try. Paterson failed with the conversion.

An error on the line gave the Eagles a second set of six but hooker Craig Cook only needed one play as he put the ball out to Yere who had to do little more than step over the line and touch down. Bergin couldn’t add the goal.

It was substitution time as Halifax brought on Sean Penkywicz, Frank Watene and Dom Maloney with Sheffield sending in Trevor Exton and Andrew Henderson within a space of two minutes.

Penkywicz, as in the win over Widnes last week, had an instant impact as he burst through the Eagles line before passing to Maloney to score the try. Paterson’s goal edged Fax ahead.

A 35-metre break from first receiver took Ben Black through the Eagles line for a try that with Paterson’s goal gave Halifax a 16-8 lead at half-time.

The opening minutes of the second half saw both sides trying to discover new types of careless handling before the Eagles came back with a try that would given a video ref quite a few problem.

Ryan Hepworth started the move before Brendon Lindsay chased his own chip kick but it was Cook who got there first and diving somehow pushed the ball into the path of Peter Green to touchdown. Simon Brown added the goal.

Three tries in ten minutes snuffed out any Eagles charge. Watene and Graham Holroyd, on for Jon Goddard with Luke Branighan moving to centre, sent Dave Larder crashing over the try line.

Brown produced his second 40-20 of the game but this time it didn't lead to a try.

A Holroyd’s high kick forced an Eagles error and the ball was moved across the field before Holroyd and Black sent in Shad Royston. Patterson added both goals.

Penkywicz went over under the posts from dummy half and with Patterson kicking the goals Fax had a 34-14 cushion.

Eagles rekindled hopes of a vital bonus point with centre Tangi Ropati making a 60 metre break for a solo try then adding a second from Brown�s long pass. Brown kicked one of the goals.

With five minutes to go Penkywicz, Holroyd and Patterson sent in Nash for a try that stretched the winning margin to 14 points and no bonus.

Eagles: Misi Taulapapa, Danny Mills, Menzie Yere, Tangi Ropati, Tim Bergin; Brendon Lindsay, Simon Brown; Ryan Hepworth, Craig Cook, Mitch Stringer, Alex Szostak, Peter Green, Joe Hirst. Subs: Alex Rowe, Michael Haley, Trevor Exton, Andrew Henderson.

Tries: Yere (2, 19),  Green (50), Ropati (67, 71). Bergin 0/2, Brown 2/3

Halifax: Shad Royston; Lee Paterson, Jon Goddard, Dylan Nash, Paul White; Luke Branighan, Ben Black; Neil Cherryholme, Bob Beswick, Michael Ostick, Adam Rudd, Stephen Bannister, David Larder. Subs: Sean Penkywicz, Frank Watene, Dominic Maloney, Graham Holroyd..

Tries:  (Paterson (15), Maloney (29), Black (34), Larder (54), Royston (59), Penkywicz (65), Nash (75). Goals: Paterson 5/7

Referee: Gareth Hewer.

Penalties: Eagles 6 Halifax 5

Attendance: 1473

Jim Collins

Sheffield Eagles produced a great performance to become only the second team to beat Featherstone this season in the league.

The 32-30 win gave the Eagles play-off hopes a massive boost putting them five points ahead of their closest rival for a top-six finish. Victory also denied Rovers the points they needed to claim the Championship leader’s trophy.

A late Rovers rally and three tries made for a nail-biting final ten minutes but the team � particularly the Eagles forwards - had worked hard for the win.

Half-back Simon Brown in only his second game gave the Eagles an extra dimension with his pin-point kicking and centre Menzi Yere scored a hat-trick of tries but blotted his copybook with some handling errors.

Hooker Andrew Henderson was lively on his debut and Norfolk Park teenager Corey Hanson, making his first senior start, was strong and put in a good spell as an emergency winger.

Eagles faced a tough start with Rovers laying siege to their line and winger Zak Hardaker was held up over the line.

Scrum-half Brown relieved the pressure with a couple of long kicks and his high kick earned a second set of six which ended with Mitch Stringer and Brendon Lindsay sending Yere crashing in for the first try.

The Papua New Guinea centre doubled the score when he finished a passing move involving Craig Cook, Brown and Lindsay with Misi Tualapapa providing the final pass. Tim Bergin was unable to add either goal with kicks from the touchline.

Taulapapa nearly increased the Eagles lead but the fullback couldn’t control the ball as he dived over the try-line.

Rovers were frantically trying to come back and thanks to sharp play by Kyle Briggs they cut the deficit to two points. The scrum-half went over from acting half-back then added the goal.

A big response was needed and Alex Rowe, perhaps seeing he was about to be substituted, wriggled out of a tackle before offloading to Michael Haley whose pass gave Lindsay a clear run to the line. Bergin added the goal.

That lead proved fragile as Rovers dominated the run-up to the break and a high kick to the corner by Liam Finn saw winger Zak Hardaker out jump Bergin for the try. Briggs added a massive goal from the sideline to leave the home team trailing 14-12.

Centre Tangi Ropati made sure of a great start to the second half with a break that sent Bergin racing in the score under the posts and add the goal.

Winger Jon Steel’s try narrowed the lead to four points with Bergin going off as he was injured attempting to stop the touchdown.

The game was won for the Eagles with two tries in three minutes. Yere was launched by Lindsay and Taulapapa on a blasting 80-metre run brushing aside tackles to touchdown under the posts for his hat-trick try.

Next Brown produced a 40-20 kick to give Eagles possession and followed it up by sending Ropati in for a try. Brown added both goals for a 32-16 lead.

Rovers whittled away at the Eagles lead with tries from Tim Spears and Hardaker but crucially Briggs missed the conversions. Going into the final two minutes Liam Welham’s try and Liam Finn’s goal narrowed the gap to two points but the Eagles held out for a vital win.

FACTFILE:

Featherstone: Ian Hardman; Zak Hardaker, Sam Smeaton, Liam Welham, Jon Steel; Kyle Biggs, Liam Finn; Tony Tonks, Andy Kain, Stuart Dickens, Jamie Field, Tim Spears, Matty Dale. Subs: Ross Divorty, Jody Sherriffe, Jon Grayshon, Dave Manning.

Tries: Briggs (26), Hardaker (37, 69), Steel (48), Spears (61), Welham (78). Goals: Brigs 2/5. Finn 1/1.

Eagles: Misi Taulapapa, Danny Mills, Menzie Yere, Tangi Ropati, Tim Bergin; Brendon Lindsay, Simon Brown; Ryan Hepworth, Craig Cook, Mitch Stringer, Alex Szostak, Peter Green, Joe Hirst. Subs: Cory Hanson, Alex Rowe, Michael Haley, Andrew Henderson.

Tries: Yere (9, 13, 56), Lindsay (32), Bergin (43), Ropati (59). Goals: Bergin 2/4, Brown 2/2.

Referee: Robert Hicks (Oldham).

Penalties: Rovers 5 Eagles 4.

Attendance: 2381.

JimCollins

Stade des Minimes, Saturday 10 July

Eagles made it two straight away wins with a great performance in the heat of the South West of France.

Half-back Simon Brown, signed from Doncaster, made his debut and scored a try on seven minutes to level the scores after Toulouse took an early lead.

Eagles led 18-12 at half-time thanks to tries from Matty Brooks and Tangi Ropati.

Tim Bergin converted all three of those, then added two tries of his own after the break for a personal haul of 18 points.
Alex Szostak also touched down for Sheffield but late tries rescued a bonus point for the Frech side.

Toulouse’s try scorers were Sylvain Houles (two), Bruno Ormeno and Patelisio Pelo with Nathan Wynn kicking the goals.

Toulouse: Rory Bromley; Clement Bienes, Sebatian Planes, Bruno Ormeno, Carlos Mendes; Sylvain Houles, Nathan Wynn; Brendon Worth, Yohann Gigord, Romain Mencarnini, Antony Maria, Yoan Tisseyre, Eric Anselme. Subs: Tely Pelo, Kevin Larroyer, Gedric Gay, Remi Vignau.

Tries: Houles (1, 29), Ormeno (75), Pelo (77). Goals Nathan Wynn 4/4.

Eagles: Misi Taulapapa, Danny Mills, Menzie Yere, Tangi Ropati, Tim Bergin; Brendon Lindsay, Simon Brown; Ryan Hepworth, Craig Cook, Mitch Stringer, Alex Szostak, Peter Green, Trevor Exton. Subs: Ged Corcoran, Michael Haley, Joe Hirst, Matty Brooks.

Tries: Bergin ( 56, 63), Brown (7), Brooks (26), Ropati (38), Szostak (70). Goals: Bergin 5/6.

Referee: Robert Hicks

Penalties: Toulouse 7, Eagles 5

Attendance: 2214

For a match report click here

NO HAPPY RETURN TO THE VALLEY 

Back to Don Valley but it wasn’t a happy return as Barrow Raiders edged the game in the second half.

The Eagles had to settle for a losing bonus point which helps keep their bid for a play-off place on track.

The Eagles were in the game until a three try burst late in the second half as Barrow, inspired by half-back Jamie Rooney stormed into the lead.

A try in the final minute from Trevor Exton gave the Eagles the consolation of a losing bonus point as they go into three away games.

The Eagles forwards worked hard with big sets from prop Ryan Hepworth and on loan back rower Mike Burnett.

Rooney was key to Barrow success with his kicking game exploiting the setting sun in the faces of the Eagles players in the second half.

The first half saw the Eagles start well then lose their way as they gave away penalties and possession to Barrow before they came back to level on the stroke of half-time.

Prop forward Mitch Stringer blasted over from close in for the first try with winger Tim Bergin, who has taken on the kicking role, adding the goal to give the Eagles an early lead.

Bergin added a penalty goal but Barrow were coming back with Rooney causing the Eagles problems with his burst and kicking game.

Former Eagles back row Martin Ostler forced his way over and was awarded the try by the video referee and a touchdown from centre Liam Harrison followed by a Rooney goal gave Barrow the lead.

Winger Andy Ballard’s try and Rooney’s goal stretched the Raiders lead but on half-time Matty Brooks made a 30-metre break before sending fullback Misi Taulapapa in for the try and Bergin’s goal levelled the score at 14-14.

Barrow took the lead back soon after the restart with a try from Chris Young converted by Rooney but the Eagles hit back with fullback Misi Taulapapa crossing and Bergin adding the two points.

The crucial point in the game came as the Eagles had two tries ruled out by the video referee before Barrow took control with tries from winger Andreas Bauer, centre Ned Catic and hooker Nathan Mossop with Rooney kicking two goals.

Right on the hooter a bonus point was salvaged as back rower Trevor Exton took Craig Cook’s short pass on the burst for a consolation try. Bergin added the goal.

Eagles: Misi Taulapapa, Danny Mills, Menzie Yere, Jason Mossop, Tim Bergin; Brendon Lindsay, Dane McDonald; Ryan Hepworth, Craig Cook, Mitch Stringer, Peter Green, Mike Burnett, Trevor Exton. Subs: Matty Brooks, Alex Szostak, Ged Corcoran, Joe Hirst.

Tries: Stringer (5), Taulapapa (40,48), Exton (80).  Goals Bergin 5/5.

Barrow:  Gary Broadbent; Andy Ballard, Ned Catic, Liam Harrison, Andreas Bauer; Jamie Rooney, Liam Campbell; Andy Bracek, Nathan Mossop, Brett McDermott, Michael Knowles, Martin Ostler, Zeb Luisi. Subs: Chris Young, Paul Noone, Jamie Butler,Richard Fletcher.

Tries: Ostler (23), Harrison (29), Ballard (38), Young (44), Bauer (68), Catic (75) Mossop (78). Goals: Rooney 4/7

Referee: Gareth Hewer.

Penalties: Eagles 10 Barrow 10

Attendance: 848

Jim Collins

Sheffield Eagles produced a late two-try burst to beat Whitehaven in an emotion charged game.

The ground was silent before the kick-off  as Ros Purdham, the wife of former Haven player Garry Purdham, released 12 white doves in memory of her husband and the other 11 victims of the West Cumbria shootings.

The Eagles had to work hard for their win, but they also made hard work of claiming three vital points in the chase for a play-off place.

Coach Mark Aston's decision to play four forwards on the bench paid off as the big men gradually wore down a determined Whitehaven team.

Centre Menzie Yere scored two tries but the game-breaker score came from hooker Craig Cook as the lead changed for the fifth time in the game. It was Cook’s 18th try of the season.

Mike Burnett, on loan from Hull FC, came into the second row. Tim Bergin returned on the wing with Tangi Ropati also moving out wide and Jason Mossop coming in at centre.

Eagles put in some strong defence to hold out Whitehaven early in the game with Misi Taulapapa and Bergin covering well at the back. If the Eagles had built on some good drives by forwards Mitch Stringer and Ryan Hepworth and used positions better they could have led at the break. .

Instead the Eagles trailed to a try from dummy half by winger Derry Eilbeck ten minutes before the break.

The opening of the second half was very different as Cook and stand-off Brendon Lindsay combined to send second rower Peter Green crashing over for a try.

The Eagles took the lead when after Stringer and Ged Corcoran had set up the position before Lindsay collected his own chip and passed out to Yere - who had been threating with some of his runs but had been closed down quickly by Whitehaven - to finish. Lindsay was unable to add either goal.

Whitehaven retook the lead with a Craig Calvert try and Carl Rudd goal before the Eagles came back with breaks by Trevor Exton and Misi Taulapapa opening the way for Yere to touchdown for his second try.

Winger Tim Bergin took over the kicking duties but his effort agonisingly hit the outside of a post.

The lead didn’t last as Calvert scored his second try and there were a few scares close to the try line before in the final nine minutes the Eagles took control.

Cook twisted and turned from dummy half, looked around for a runner to pass to but with nobody there saw a gap open and did the job himself touching down under the posts. Bergin kicked the goal.

With a minute to go Lindsay made the game safe as his chip was fumbled by the Haven fullback Josh Veivers and the stand-off kicked on again and completed the try. Bergin added the goal.

Whitehaven: Josh Veivers; Derry Eilbeck, Dexter Miller, Rob Jackson, Craig Calvert; Carl Rudd, Motu Tony; Andy Thornley, Greame Mattinson, Kyle Bibb, Spencer Miller, Danny Barker, Leroy Joe. Subs: Carl Sice, Howard Hill, Kurt Wilton, Mark Jackson.

Tries: Eilbeck (29), Calvert (55, 69). Goals: Rudd 1/3.

Eagles: Misi Taulapapa, Tangi Ropati, Menzie Yere, Jason Mossop, Tim Bergin; Brendon Lindsay, Matty Brooks; Ryan Hepworth, Craig Cook, Mitch Stringer, Trevor Exton, Mike Burnett, Dane McDonald. Subs: Peter Green, Gen Corcoran, Michael Haley, Joe Hirst.

Tries: Green (42), Yere (47, 64), Cook (76), Lindsay (79). Goals: Lindsay 0/2, Bergin 2/3.

Referee: Peter Brooke.

Penalties:  Whitehaven 5, Eagles 10.

Attendance: 856.

Jim Collins

Batley Bulldogs 26 Sheffield Eagles 16

Northern Rail Cup, quarter-final, Mount Pleasant Stadium, Sunday 6 June

Eagles’ hopes of reaching the Northern Rail Cup final slipped away on Batley Bulldog’s sloping pitch. A three-try burst in the final minutes of the first half proved too much to pull back in the final 40 minutes of quarter-final clash.

Fullback Misi Taulapapa was strong in defence and forward Trevor Exton put in big sets for the Eagles but a gritty Batley defence held out.

The killer blow was a late disputed penalty that gave the Bulldogs their only points of the second half and extended their lead to two converted tries with time running out.

There was a minute’s silence before the kick-off in memory of the victims of the Whitehaven shootings, which included former rugby league player Garry Purdham.

Eagles started playing up the Mount Pleasant slope and went into an early lead when after prop Michael Haley was held near the posts before loose-forward Dane McDonald took Aaron Groom’s pass at the angle to blast over. Brendon Lindsay couldn’t add the goal.

Batley were making use of the slope to pile on pressure and took the lead with prop Sean Hesketh forcing his way over near the posts and Gareth Moore adding the goal.

The Bulldogs dominated possession and hit the Eagles with three tries in seven minutes.

Substitute forward Craig Potter went over from first receiver and fullback Johnny Campbell took the ball on the charge to go under the posts.

Eagles problems mounted as loose-forward Ash Lindsay sidestepped and weaved his was in for a try under the posts. Moore added the goals for a 24-4 lead at half-time.

Playing down the slope after restart it was the Eagles turn to put on the pressure as they chased an early breakback try.

Pressure forced a second set of six and then a penalty before hooker Craig Cook squeezed over from dummy half. Lindsay added the goal and the Eagles were back in the game.

A break by Lindsay sent Yere on a power run before the centre passed to winger Danny Mills to score in the corner. Lindsay added a great goal from the touchline.

Batley were given a boost when referee Robert Hicks changed his decision and gave Batley a controversial penalty that Moore kicked.

The final minutes saw the Eagles frantically battered the Batley line but they were met by dogged defence.

Yere was launched on a couple of blasting runs and winger Richie Barnett ran out of space as he went for the line but the Bulldogs held out.

Batley: Johnny Campbell; Alex Brown, Mark Toohey, Danny Maun, Lee Greenwood; Paul Handforth, Gareth Moore; Byron Smith, Kris Lythe, Sean Hesketh, Jason Walton, John Gallagher, Ash Lindsay. Subs: Mick Govin, Craig Potter, Chris Buttery, David Tootill.

Tries: McDonald (5), Cook (55), Mills (62), Goals: Lindsay 2/ 3.

Eagles: Misi Taulapapa, Richie Barnett, Menzie Yere, Tangi Ropati Danny Mills; Brendon Lindsay, Aaron Groom; Michael Haley, Craig Cook, Mitch Stringer, Trevor Exton, Peter Green, Dane McDonald. Subs: Ged Corcoran, Sam Barlow, Ryan Hepworth, Alex Rowe.

Tries: Hesketh (13), Potter (27), Campbell £(33), Lindsay (34). Goals: Moore 5/5.

Referee: Robert Hicks.

Penalties: Batley 6 Eagles 7.

Attendance: 708.

Jim Collins

A drop goal in the final seconds ended ended Eagles four-match winning run and gave Keighley their third win of the season.

The Eagles had battled back into the game with three second half tries but poor discipline and erratic ball handling kept Keighley in the game.

The Eagles had to settle for a bonus point which lifted them above Widnes Viking to fifth in the Championship but they have played more games than their main play-off rivals.

The Cougars had to thank scrum-half Danny Jones who scored a try, kicked six goals and the vital drop goal for their win.

Keighley took an early lead with a penalty from Jones but the Eagles came back with a try from loose forward Joe Hirst from Trevor Exton�s pass.

The Eagles doubled their lead as Menzie Yere used pure strength to get the touchdown. Stringer was unable to add either conversion with touchline kicks.

Keighley hit back and a chip kick by Jones bounced off an Eagles player and the scrum-half gratefully caught the ball and went over for the try before adding the goal.

The Cougars took the lead with a try from James Hutchinson and a Jones goal.

A fumble by an Eagles player following a scrum in front of their posts saw Tom Sheldrake nipping in to pick up the ball and claim the try. Jones added the goal for the Cougars to lead 20-8 at half-time.

The second half was a totally different story as the Eagles came back with three tries in a six-minute spell with Michael Haley the game’s outstanding forward leading the charge.

Exton got the first score of the half following a Haley break. Matty Brooks set up the next for Sam Barlow with Stringer kicking a goal, his only conversion of the night.

An Exton break followed by an overhead inside pass from Danny Mills gave Brendon Lindsay a touchdown and the stand-off added the goal to put the Eagles ahead at 24-20.

Keighley levelled with two penalties from Jones either side of Missi Taulapapa being denied a try for a double movement.

It was down to drop goals and Matty Brooks missed one for the Eagles and Jones for Keighley until in the final 30 seconds Jones put over a kick to claim the win. 

Eagles: Misi Taulapapa, Richie Barnett, Menzie Yere, Tangi Ropati Danny Mills; Brendon Lindsay, Aaron Groom; Michael Haley, Craig Cook, Mitch Stringer, Trevor Exton, Peter Green, Joe Hirst. Subs: Matty Brooks, Sam Barlow, Ryan Hepworth, Alex Rowe.

Tries: Hirst (8), Yere(12), Exton (49), Barlow (52), Lindsay (58).Goals Stringer 1/ 4 , Lindsay 1/ 1.

Cougars: Craig Moss; Gavin Duffy; Tom Sheldrake, Daley Williams, James Hutchinson; Jon Presley, Danny Jones; Scott Law, James Feather, Ryan Benjafield, Chris Baines, Olly Pursglove, Will Cartledge. Subs: Jamaine Wray, Carl Hughes, Brendon Rawlins, Andy Shickell.

Tries: Jones (23), Hutchinson (27), Sheldrake (32). Goals Jones 6/6, 1 dp goal.

Referee: Thierry Alibert.

Penalties: Eagles  7, Keighley 7

Jim Collins

EAGLES MAKE IT FOUR ON THE BOUNCE

Dewsbury Rams 20 Sheffield Eagles 22

Tetley Stadium, Dewsbury, Thursday 20 May

A dramatic last-minute penalty kicked by Mitch Stringer gave the Eagles four straight wins in a tight game at Dewsbury.

With the teams level on 20-20 the Rams fullback Lee Lingard knocked on then kicked the ball away. Referee Ronnie Laughton awarded the penalty and

Stringer coolly slotted it over.

The Eagles started well but faded late in the first half and struggled against a battling Rams team from then on.

In the first 20 minutes stand-off Brendon Lindsay and his half-back partner Aaron Groom were moving the ball out fast with forward Trevor Exton and centre Menzie Yere putting in blasting runs.

Exton and Yere made the opening to send Richie Barnett in but the winger was body-checked and from the tap penalty hooker Craig Cook squeezed his way over for the opening try.

The Eagles were making the running with a 40-20 kick giving them possession and after a weaving run by Barnett set up the position Michael Haley soften up the Rams defensive line with a power run before Stringer finished the job blasting over the line. Stringer added the goal.

Dewsbury came back with Ed Barber sweeping through a gap near the line after tap penalty for an unconverted try.

A passing move between Matty Brooks and Lindsay was finished with Dane McDonald bursting on to Groom’s pass for the try. Lindsay couldn’t add the goal.

Only a great chase and covering tackled by Lindsay prevented a Rams try from an interception.

Former Eagles half-back Dominic Brambani led a revival by the Rams with second row James Lockwood getting try and Pat Walker adding the goal to

narrow the Eagles lead to 14-10 at the break.

Batley kept the pressure up with a try soon after the break from Andy Bostock from Brambani’s chip kick. Pat Walker added the goal for the Rams to

take a two point lead.

It needed a quick response and the Eagles got it as prop forward Haley used brute force in a great ball carry that took him close to the Rams posts. It was just right for Cook who dropped over from dummy half for try 15 for the season

Stringer added the goal.

For most of the rest of the half the Rams laid siege to the Eagles line. The pressure had to tell and the Rams levelled the score with an unconverted try

from winger Bryn Powell.

With only four minutes it seemed a drop goal would settle the points but after Cook’s attempt was charged down Rams fullback Lingard knocked on then

kicked the ball away in frustation giving Stringer the match winning penalty.

 Factfile:

Dewsbury: Lee Lingard; Bryn Powell, Alex Bretherton, Scott Turner, Austin

Buchanan; Edward Barber, Dominic Brambani; Adam Robinson, Luke Blake, Keegan

Hirst, Rob Spicer, Andrew Bostock, Patrick Walker. Subs: Mike Emmett, James

Walker, Ayden Fall, James Lockwood.

Tries: Cook (7, 51), Stringer (11) McDonald (28). Goals: Stringer 3 /4,

Lindsay 0/1.

Eagles: Misi Taulapapa, Richie Barnett, Tangi Ropati, Menzie Yere, Tim

Bergin; Brendon Lindsay, Aaron Groom; Michael Haley, Craig Cook, Mitch

Stringer, Trevor Exton, Peter Green, Dane McDonald. Subs: Matty Brooks, Sam

Barlow, Ryan Hepworth, Alex Rowe.

Tries: Barber (22), Lockwood (38), Bostock (43), Powell (74). Goals 2/4.

Referee: Ronnie Laughton (Barnsley)

Penalties: Dewsbury 10, Eagles 10.

Attendance: 1066.

Jim Collins

Jim Collins

Eagles produced a great second  half performance with Alex Rowe scoring two
late tries to claim a dramatic win over Batley Bulldogs.
Prop forward Rowe tries in the final five minutes to have the fans on their
feet at Bramall Lane. It's now two straight wins for the eagles with
Toulouse Olympique next up at the Lane on Saturday 15 May (kick-off 3pm)
Batley had the best of the first half and could have doubled their half-time
12-0 lead but the Eagles apart from a couple of lapses hung in.
At half-time coach Mark Aston read the riot act and then with ten minutes to
go in a master stroke sent back on Rowe - and it worked!
The Eagles were stunned as Batley took an early lead with Gareth Moore
seeing his chance from dummy half and cutting through the Eagles line from
20 metres for a try. The scrum-half added the goal.
Paul Handforth and Moore were controlling the plays for Batley with the
forwards blasting their way through the middle.
Rowe came on for the Eagles and put in some big runs but the Bulldogs
defence was in a mean mood.
The Handforth and Moore combination almost sent in centre Danny Maun but the
Eagles line defence held.
At the other end the home side were taking a battering and the pressure told
with prop Dave Tootill following up a kick to touchdown soon after he came
off the bench. Moore added the goal.
Tootill also got his second try but he was held up over the line.
The Eagles were struggling to get out of their half and lacked the power and
kicking game they had shown in the big win over Whitehaven.
Half-time saw Batley go in with a 12-0 lead.
The Eagles were a different team from the restart taking the game to Batley
with some good passing moves.
A 60 metre break from Rowe set up the move that led to the Eagles first try.
Rowe was held near the posts but the ball was put out wide and Tangi Ropati
off-loaded to winger Ashley Thackeray who went in at the corner. Brendon
Lindsay added the goal.
Soon after Thackeray had to go off with a knee injury.
Eagles narrowed the gap to two points following a break from his own half by
Menzie Yere which led to Lindsay and the centre sending Mills in near the
flag. Lindsay's kick hit the upright.
Moore looked to have got Batley's third try with a break near the line but
he was held up.
Batley tested the Eagles with a series of high kicks but a couple of
penalties relieved the pressure.
Into the final five minutes and the next score was vital,that's when Rowe
exploded on the scene.
The prop produced a perfectly timed run to blast over for a try near the
posts. Ropati added the goal and the Eagles were ahead for the first time in
the game.
With two minutes left Rowe sealed the win with a burst that took him over
under the posts and Ropati added the two points.

Factfile:
Eagles: Misi Taulapapa, Ashley Thackeray, Tangi Ropati, Menzie Yere, Danny
Mills; Brendon Lindsay, Aaron Groom; Ryan Hepworth, Craig Cook, Trevor
Exton, Alex Szostak, Peter Green, Dane McDonald. Subs: Joe Hirst, Alex Rove,
Matty Brooks, Ged Corcoran.
Tries: Thackeray (44), Mills (49), Rowe (75, 78). Goals Lindsay 1/ 2, Ropati
2/2
Batley: Johnny Campbell; Lee Greenwood, Danny Maun, Mark Toohey, Alex Brown;
Paul Handforth, Gareth Moore; Byron Smith, Kris Lythe, Sean Hesketh, Jason
Walton, John Gallagher, Ashley Lindsay. Subs:, Kyle Wood, Craig Potter,
James Martin, Dave Tootill.
Tries: Moore (4), Tootill  (23). Goals  Moore 2/2.
Referee: Matthew Thomason.
Penalties:  8-2
Attendance: 1170
Man of the match: Alex Rowe

Jim Collins

Sheffield Eagles 64 Whitehaven 24

12-TRY ROMP CRUSHES WHITEHAVEN

Co-operative Championship, Bramall Lane, Monday 3 May 2010

Eagles are back to winning ways - an what a way to do it! The team served up a 12-try crushing of Whitehaven to claim a second Championship win.

The result lifts the Eagles to just outside the play-off places and above Batley Bulldogs who they face at Bramal Lane on Wednesday 12 May, kick-off 7.30pm.

The Eagles battled through a poor spell which saw the Cumbrian’s take the lead before taking total control in the final 30 minutes with prop Alex Rowe scoring a hat-trick of tries that warmed up a bitterly cold Bank Holiday at Bramall Lane.

Prop forward Rowe powered his way to three tries, with Alex Szostak and Peter Green impressive in the back row. Ged Corcoran and Ryan Hepworth, who came in for the suspended Mitch Stringer and Sam Barlow had big games.

In the backs Misi Taulapapa was strong and helped fellow Samoan Tangi Ropati to two tries.

Hooker Craig Cook also grabbed a double and Matty Brooks celebrated the birth of his daughter Eva with a nice cameo coming off the bench and scoring a try.

The Eagles got off to a good start with Trevor Exton and Brendon Lindsay sending Menzie Yere crashing for a try.

The game was held up for eight minutes after Haven forward Danny Barker was knocked unconscious tackling Taulapapa and was taken to hospital for checks on a possible neck injury.

Second rower Alex Szostak came close twice before he crossed the whitewash but Whitehaven came back with tries from Mark Jackson and Craig Calvert and goals from Carl Rudd to take the lead.

The Eagles took a 14-12 lead just before the break with a Brooks try and Ropati’s first conversion from three attempts.

Calvert’s second try and a Rudd goal soon after the restart gave Haven back the lead then the Eagles blasted back with two tries from Rowe in as many minutes, the second a great 30 metre power break.

Whitehaven narrowed the lead with a Rob Jackson try and a Rudd goal but from then on it was all Eagles as Ropati scored two tries either side of a touchdown by Groom. Ropati brought his goal tally to four from seven attempts before handing over the goal kicking to Lindsay whose break had set up the centre’s second try.

The tries just kept coming with Rowe completing his hat-trick, hooker Craig Cook cheekily twisted over by the posts from dummy half to bring up the 50 points.

In the final couple of minutes winger Ashley Thackeray touched down Lindsay’s chip to the corner and Cook finished off a break by Hepworth for his second try with Lindsay kicking his fourth goal from five.

Factfile:

Eagles: Misi Taulapapa, Ashley Thackeray, Tangi Ropati, Menzie Yere, Danny Mills; Brendon Lindsay, Aaron Groom; Ryan Hepworth, Craig Cook, Trevor Exton, Alex Szostak, Peter Green, Dane McDonald. Subs: Joe Hirst, Alex Rowe, Matty Brooks, Ged Corcoran.

Tries: Rowe (45, 47, 72), Ropati (55, 65), Cook (74, 80), Yere (3), Szostak (15), Brooks (39), Groom (58), Thackeray (77). Goals: Ropati 4/7, Lindsay 4/5.

Whitehaven: Josh Veivers; Derry Eilbeck, Mick Darby, Rob Jackson, Craig Calvert; Carl Rudd, Dylan Skee; Andy Thornley, Graeme Mattinson, Kyle Amor, Spencer Miller, Danny Barker, Leroy Joe. Subs: Chris Smith, Marc Jackson, Howard Hill, Reece Fox.

Tries: Mark Jackson (21) Calvert (33,43), Rob Jackson (52). Goals Rudd 4/4.

Referee: Matthew Thomason.

Penalties:  Eagles 8 Whitehaven 2

Attendance: 1,301.

Jim Collins

Sheffield Eagles 16 Featherstone Rovers 40

Co-operative Championship, Bramall Lane, Sunday 11 April

Sheffield Eagles move to Bramall Lane brought in the fans but on the field it was Featherstone Rovers who enjoyed the day.

A bumper 2,871, more than three times the Eagles attendances at Don Valley this season, came to the first game at Sheffield United’s ground.

But that was the only consolation for coach Mark Aston as his team slumped to their fourth defeat in six Championship games.

The Eagles were determined to put on a show with a pre-match display on the pitch by more than 60 girls from the local Stepping Out dancing school.

The start of the game matched the build-up. Eagles started well but Rovers soaked up the early pressure and took the lead, centre Jesse Joe Parker touching down under the posts. Kyle Briggs, who was to torment the Eagles during the game - added the goal.

Featherstone were showing the form that had kept them unbeaten as they passed well out of the tackles and set up a couple of sweeping passing moves that had the Eagles on the backfoot.

The Eagles came back with a period of pressure with a penalty getting them a second set of six before Cook, Joe Hirst, and Brendon Lindsay sent Misis Taulapapa crashing over for the try. Lindsay added the goal.

Rovers were looking the sharper and forward Jon Grayshon added an unconverted try to edge them ahead.

The Eagles were hit by two killer blows either side of half-time. Substitute Andy Kain’s try under the posts just before the break and six minutes into the second half Rovers were awarded a penalty try after the ball was ripped out as Kain tried to touchdown. Briggs added both goals.

Center Liam Welham increased the lead and although hooker Craig Cook pulled back at try for the Eagles after good work by Jack Howieson and Mitch Stringer even a bonus point was beyond them.

Dane Manning put Rovers further ahead with a try and in the final minute Rovers brought up 40 points with an Iain Morrison touch down followed by Briggs kicking his sixth goal.

In between Brendon Lindsay and Richie Barnett sent in Dane McDonald for an unconverted consolation try.

Factfile

Eagles: Misi Taulapapa, Ashley Thackeray, Tangi Ropati, Menzie Yere, Richie Barnett; Brendon Lindsay, Dane McDonald; Jack Howieson, Craig Cook, Mitch Stringer; Alex Szostak, Trevor Exton, Joe Hirst, Subs: Jason Mossop, Peter Green, Ged Corcoran, Sam Barlow.

Tries: Taulapapa (20), Cook (61), McDonald (74). Goals: Lindsay 1/1, Stringer 1/ 2.

Featherstone: Ian Hardman; Michael Coady, Jesse Joe Parker, Liam Welham, Tommy Saxton; Kyle Briggs, Liam Finn; Stuart Dickens, Jack Lee, Tony Tonks, Jonny Grayshon, Iain Morrison, Matty Dale. Subs: Andy Kain, Ross Divorty, Dane Manning, Tim Spears.

Tries: Parker (13), Grayshon (27), Kain (39), Penalty Try (46), Welham (57), Manning (69), Morrison (80). Goals: Briggs: 6/7

Referee: Jamie Leahy

Penalties:  Eagles 9 Rovers 9.

Attendance: 2871.

Jim Collins

How the game went:

13min - Jesse Joe Parker try, Kyle Briggs goal - 0-6

20 - Misi Taulapapa try, Brendon Lindsay goal - 6-6

27 - Jon Grayshon try, no goal - 6-10

39 - Andy Kain try,Briggs goal - 6-16

Half-time

46 - Penalty try for Featherstone,Briggs goal - 6-22

57 - Liam Welham try, Briggs goal - 6-28

61 - Craig Cook try, stringer goal - 12-28

69 - Dane Manning try, Briggs goal - 12-34

74 - Dane McDonald try, no goal - 16-34

80 - Iain Morrison try, Briggs goal - 16-40

Final score Eagles 16 Featherstone 40

EAGLES CRASH AT BARROW 

Co-operative Championship,Craven Park, Easter Monday 5 April

Eagles slumped to their biggest defeat of the season at Barrow Raiders to end the Easter weekend with only two points from the draw at Keighley.

Last season's Grand Final winners Barrow moved the ball out faster as they ran in nine tries.

The killer blow was a three-try blast late in the first half as the Eagles struggled to get back into a scrappy game.

A key factor was an early injury to Jonny Woodcock with the fullback limping out of the game after Barrow first try.

It saw Misis Taulapapa and later Tangi Ropatri switch to fullback with Joe Hirst going into the centres. But the Eagles couldn't get their game back on track.

Barrow went into the lead with Zeb Luisi touching down from James Coyle's chip kick and  Jamie Rooney adding the goal.

The Eagles came back swiftly with Mitch Stringer bursting on to dummy half Craig Cook's pass to force his way over but the prop couldn't add the goal.

Barrow's forwards were dominating possession and Luisi turned provider for Liam Harrison to spin over the try line.

Roparti put in a couple of big tackles but the  pressure was on the Eagles and tries by Anthony Blackwood, Jamiane McGilvary and Rooney with the former Wakefield half-back adding all three goals gave Barrow a 28-4 lead at half-time.

Eagles tried to step up the pace after the restart but sloppy handling gave Andrew Ballard an interception try with Rooney adding the goal.

Barrow piled on the agony with two tries in two minutes as Matt James was given an easy run in and Paul Noone crashed over with Rooney adding a goal.

Michael Knowles's touchdown and Rooney added the goal to bring up the 50 points for the home team.

Brendon Lindsay came closest to scoring for the Eagles but he was held up short of the line late in the game.

Barrow played the last five minutes with 12 men after former Doncaster forward Luisi was taken off with a rib injury after the home side had used all their substitutes.

Factfile

Barrow:  Gary Broadbent; Andy Ballard, Anthony Blackwood, Liam Harrison, Jermaine McGilvary; Jamie Rooney, James Coyle; Matt James, Andy Henderson, Andy Bracek, Martin Ostler, Michael Knowles, Zeb Luisi. Subs: Paul Noone, Rob Roberts, Liam Campbell, Ned Catic.

Tries: Luisi 9, Harrison 23, Blackwood 32, McGilvary 34, Rooney 39, Ballard 50, James 60, Noone 62, Knowles 66. Goals: Rooney 7/9.

Eagles: Jonny Woodcock; Misi Taulapapa, Tangi Ropati, Menzie Yere, Ashley Thackeray; Brendon Lindsay, Matty Brooks; Ged Corcoran, Craig Cook, Mitch Stringer; Alex Szostak, Peter Green, Joe Hirst, Subs: Michael Haley, Trevor Exton, Dane McDonald, Sam Barlow.

Tries: Stringer 14.

Referee: Ronnie Laughton

Penalties:  Barrow 8 Eagles 4.

Attendance: 1,854.

Co-operative Championship, Cougar Park, Friday 2 April

A penalty in the final minute denied the Eagles a win in their opening Easter game against Keighley Cougars.

Heavy rain before the kick-off turned large areas of the Cougar Park pitch into a quagmire and the second half the Eagles got lost in the mud.

Eagles made a great start forcing Keighley into a series of desperate

tackles on their line before stand-off Brendon Lindsay side-step then provided a short pass for second row Alex Szostak to claim the first try.

At the other end strong controlled defence held out Keighley before the home side pulled two points back with a penalty kicked by Danny Jones.

Craig Cook and Matty Brooks almost increased the lead but couldn’t get the ball down as the Cougars’ luck held.

Eagles edged ahead four minutes before the break with back row forward Sam Barlow  blasting in under the posts. Lindsay added the goal for a 10-2 lead at half-time.

Cougars changed their shirts for a green and white strip for the second half and it paid off as they increasing dominated the action.

A grim forward battle developed from the restart with Szostak and Peter Green putting in big tackles before Keighley forced their way into the lead with tries from forward Andy Shickell  and  winger Gavin Duffy with Jones adding the goals.

With 10 minutes left the Eagles needed a big response and got it when Menzie Yere kicked on a loose ball and Cook followed up to touch down.

Stringer added the goal to take back the lead.

The win slipped away in the final minute as a harsh high tackle decision gave Jones an easy penalty shot from in front of the posts to give Keighley a draw.

Jim Collins

Factfile

Keighley: George Raynor; Craig Moss, Tom Burton, Daley Williams, Gavin

Duffy; Jon Presley, Danny Jones; Andy Shickell, James Feather, Ryan

Benjafield, Chris Baines, Will Cartledge, Carl Hughes. Subs: Jamaine Wray,

Brendn Rawlins, James Haythornthwaite, Nathan Masey.

Tries: Shickell (56), Duffy (61). Goals: Jones 4/4.

Eagles: Jonny Woodcock; Misi Taulapapa, Tangi Ropati, Menzie Yere, Ashley

Thackeray; Brendon Lindsay, Matty Brooks; Ged Corcoran, Craig Cook, Mitch

Stringer; Alex Szostak, Peter Green, Joe Hirst, Subs: Trevor Exton, Alex

Rowe, Dane McDonald, Sam Barlow.

Tries: Stostak (5), Barlow (36), Cook (71). Goals: Stringer 1/2, Lindsay

1/1.

Referee; Matthew Thomason

Penalties:  Keighley 9 Eagles 9.

Attendance: 927.

How the game went:

5 min  Alex Szostak try. No goal  - 0-4

29  Danny Janes penalty  2-4

36  Sam Barlow try, Brendon Lindsay goal - 2-10

Half-time: Keighley 2 Eagles 10

56  Andy Shickell try, Jones goal - 8-10

61  Gavin Duffy try, Jones goal  14-10

71  Craig Cook try, Mitch Stringer goal  14-16

79  Jones penalty  16-16

Final score: Keighley 16- Eagles 16

EAGLES FIRST CHAMPIONSHIP WIN

Co-operative Championship, Don Valley Stadium, Friday 19 March 

Eagles dug deep to get their first win in the Championship against a Dewsbury team that battled all the way.

Torrential rain sweeping across Don Valley Stadium made handling difficult but the Eagles showed grim determination to first win back the lead then hold on.

In the second half the Eagles denied the Rams a score and finally killed off the game with a second try from centre Tangi Ropati seven minutes from time.

Fullback Jonny Woodcock and prop Michael Haley returned to the team and there was a debut from back rower Mike Burnett on loan from Hull FC.

Eagles opened well with a 40-20 kick by stand-off Brendon Lindsay. Dewsbury took the lead when scrum-half Patrick Walker burst in at the angle onto a short pass and touched down before adding the goal.

Prop forward Mitch Stringer took Craig Cook’s pass from dummy half to twist over the line near the posts and his goal put the scores level.

Eagles edged ahead when Dane McDonald’s pass sent in Ropati for his first try

Patrick Walker’s chip to the corner was pounced on by Steward Sanderson for a try to bring in back to 10-10.

A penalty in front of the posts by Ropati a minute from the break gave the Eagles a 12-10 lead at half-time. 

Dewsbury were down to 12 men when Andrew Bostock was sin binned soon after the restart.

Eagles took advantage with McDonald going in from dummy half for the try. Going into the final quarter a flare up resulted in Eagles Misi Taulapapa and Rams Adam Robinson going to the sin bin.

Seven minutes from time Cook’s pass from dummy half found substitute Matty Brooks who sent in Ropati for the try with Stringer adding the goal which brought up his 200 points for the club.

Eagles: Jonny Woodcock, Ashley Thackeray, Menzie Yere, Tangi Ropati, Misi Taulapapa; Brendon Lindsay, Dane McDonald; Michael Haley, Craig Cook, Mitch Stringer, Alex Szostak, Peter Green, Joe Hirst. Subs: Matty Brooks, Sam Barlow, Trevor Exton, Mike Burnett.

Tries:  Ropati (32,73), Stringer (21), McDonald (45). Goals: Stringer 2/2, Ropati 1/2

Dewsbury: James Haynes; Bryn Powell, Ayden Faal, Scott Turner,Stewart Sanderson; Dominic Brambani, Patrick Walker; Anthony England, Luke Blake, James Walker, James Lockwood, Andrew Bostock, Rob Lunt. Subs: Luke Stenchion, Adam Robinson, Paul Hughes, Ryan Smith.

Tries: Pat Walker (18), Stewart Sanderson (36). Goals: Patrick Walker 1/1

Referee: Jamie Leahey

Penalties:  Eagles 11 Dewsbury 6

Attendance: 835.

James Collins

How the game went:

18    min Patrick Walker try, goal Patrick Walker  0-6.

19    Mitch Stringer try, goal Stringer  6-6.

32  Tangi Ropati try  -  10-6.

36    Stewart Sanderson try  - 10-10.

39 Ropati penalty  12-10.

43 Adam Bostock sin binned.

45 Dane McDonald try  16-10

65 Misi Taulapapa and Adam Robinson sin binned.

73 Tangi Ropati try, Stringer goal  22-10

Sheffield Eagles 30   Widnes Vikings 44

Co-operative Championship, Don Valley Stadium  Sunday 14 March 2010

Match Report and Statistics by Peter Gaunt and Simon Jones

Sheffield Eagles are still waiting for their first league win of the season after going down to Widnes Viking.

The Eagles paid the price for a slow start to the match when Widnes fullback Scott Yates made a 70 yard break, only to be chased down and tackled by Eagles Tangi Ropati who subsequently received a yellow card for holding on in the tackle.

Widnes made their man advantage count and started to off-load in the tackle which created space for Gareth Haggerty to be driven over in the right corner. Shane Grady kicked the first of his eight conversions to give Widnes the lead.

The Eagles retaliated soon after when Scottish international Mitch Stringer tapped from a penalty and powered through three tackles to score under the post. The prop added to his try by kicking the conversion and tied the score.

After some sloppy Eagles defence, which was a recurring theme through out the game, Widnes stretched the play and allowed Matt Gardner to come in on the angle and walk over the line for a simple touch down.

Eagles hit back straight away with a clever work from hooker Craig Cook who attacked down the blindside, switched the ball back in play to Joe Hirst, who then passed inside for Tangi Ropati to dive over for his first of the game. Brendon Lindsay levelled the score 12-12.

After some good attacking play from Lindsay, including a 40-20 kick, Eagles were awarded a penalty which Stringer knocked between the posts to give Eagles a 14-12 lead.

Right on the stroke of half time Widnes half back James Webster hoisted a high ball into the left corner with Misi Taulapapa, failing to deal with the kick, leaving Matt Gardner to catch the ball and score.

The beginning of the second half saw a resurgent Eagles come out fighting with two early tries courtesy of Yere Menzie and a great solo try from hooker Craig Cook. Stringer also added two points from a penalty kick at goal to give Eagles a 26 - 18 lead.

The bubble soon burst when Widnes hit back with four unanswered tries from Jim Gannon, Anthony Thackery, Matt Gardner and an interception try from James Webster after a sloppy Eagles pass.

During the Widnes onslaught tempers flared between the two sides which saw both teams reduced to 12 men with Eagles Misi Taulapapa and Widnes Mark Smith seeing yellows for their part in a mass brawl. Grady added two points from the resulting Widnes penalty making the score 24 - 44.

Almost on the hooter Tangi Ropati burst over the line to score his second try of the match and make the final score 30 - 44.

Eagles: Ashley Thackeray, Richie Barnett, Menzie Yere, Tangi Ropati, Misi Taulapapa, Brendon Lindsay, Dane McDonald, Jack Howieson, Craig Cook, Mitchell Stringer, Alex Szostak, Peter Green, Joe Hirst. Subs: Ged Corcoran, Sam Barlow, Trevor Exton, Ryan Hepworth

Tries: Ropati (25, 76) Stringer (16), Yere (46), Cook (50). Goals: Stringer 4/5 Lindsay 1/2

Widnes: Scott Yates, Paddy Flynn, Richard Varkulis, Shane Grady, Matt Gardner, Anthony Thackery, James Webster, Gareth Haggerty, Mark Smith, Jim Gannon, Lee Doran, Liam Farrell, David Allen. Subs: Thomas Coyle, Ben Kavanagh, Dave Houghton, Ben Davies

Tries: Gannon (21, 59), Gardner (37, 71), Haggerty (10), Thackery (62), Webster (74). Goals: Grady 8/8

Ref: W. Turley

TJ: S. Barrie and T. Owen

RR: R. Jones

Attendance: 1085

How the game went:

2min Penalty Eagles  kicked to touch

3 Yellow Card Eagles  Tangi Ropati

3 Penalty Widnes  tapped

10 TRY Widnes - Gareth Haggerty  Converted by Shane Grady [0-6]

12 Penalty Eagles  kicked to touch

14 Penalty Widnes  kicked to touch

15 Penalty Eagles  kicked to touch

16 Penalty Eagles  tapped

16 TRY Eagles  Mitchell Stringer  Converted by Stringer [6-6]

19 Penalty Eagles  kicked to touch

21 TRY Widnes  Matt Gardner  Converted by Grady [6-12]

25 TRY Eagles  Tangi Ropati  Converted by Lindsay [12-12]

27  20/40 Eagles

33  Penalty Eagles  Kicked goal  Stringer [14-12]

37  TRY Widnes  Matt Gardner - Converted by Grady [14-18]

40 Half Time [14-18]

40 Kick off

42 Penalty Eagles  kicked to touch

44 Penalty Eagles  kicked to touch

46 TRY Eagles  Menzie Yere  Conversion missed by Stringer [18-18]

48 Penalty Eagles  kicked to touch

49 Penalty Eagles  tapped

50 TRY Eagles  Craig Cook  Converted by Stringer [24-18]

55 Penalty Eagles  kicked to touch

57 Penalty Eagles  kicked goal  Stringer [26-18]

59 Penalty Widnes  tapped

59 TRY Widnes  Jim Gannon  Converted by Grady [26-24]

62 TRY Widnes  Anthony Thackery  Converted by Grady [26-30]

66 Penalty Widnes  kicked to touch

67 Yellow Card Misi Taulapapa and Mark Smith

67 Penalty Widnes  kicked goal  Grady [26-32]

69 Penalty Widnes  kicked to touch

71 TRY Widnes  Matt Gardner - Converted by Grady [26-38]

74 TRY Widnes - James Webster  Converted by Grady [26-44]

75 Penalty Eagles  tapped

76 TRY Eagles  Tangi Ropati  Conversion missed by Lindsay [30-44]

Full Time: Eagles 30 Widnes Vikings 44

PLACE IN FOURTH ROUND BOOKED

Eagles put 10 tries past amateurs Thatto Heath Crusaders as they made sure of a place in the Carnegie Challenge Cup fourth round.

St Helens based Thatto soon discovered the problem they faced as after an early break into the Eagles half they faced a battering from the home forwards.

Props Ryan Hepworth and Mitch Stringer and the deceptively fast breaking Sam Barlow launched into the visitors. Backing them up was centre Mezie Yere and Tangi Ropati and it was soon sapping the strength of Thatto.

Brendon Lindsay started the move that saw the Eagles open the scoring and Barlow blasted a gap in the Thatto defence before passing to Stringer who touched down under the posts. Stringer added the goal.

The score was doubled in two minutes when hooker Craig Cook went over from dummy half after a break by Matty Brooks. Stringer added the goal.

Papua New Guinea centre Yere finally got clear and raced down the touchline before cutting inside for a try. Ropati took over the kicking and added the goal.

Thatto were putting in some passing moves and switching play across the field but they came up against strong Eagles defence that halted most moves on the 20-metre line forcing stand-off Andrew Stott to launch hopeful high kicks.

Loose forward Peter Green rounded off the half by spotting a gap in the Thatto line and racing in from 25 metres for a try with Ropati adding the goal for a 24-0 lead.

Thatto enjoyed their best spell after the restart with second rowers Mark Beech and David Johnson battling hard to close the home side down.

The Eagles had to work for their tries with back rower Joe Hirst taking a pass from Dane McDonald on the burst for their first points of the half.

Hooker Cook claimed his second touch down from acting half-back and winger Misi Taulapapa scored his first try for the club from Samoan international team-mate Ropati�s pass. Stringer converted Cook’s try.

Thatto had their best chance of a try when hooker Keiron Maddocks and Stott created the opening for Shaun Quinn but the fullback was held on the line.

The Eagles then went into overdrive as they exploited a rapidly tiring Thatto team. Yere burst through the line before sending Lindsay for the try. Next Cook, Lindsay and Ropati produced a sweeping passing move for Taulapapa to blast over for his second try. Stringer added both goals to bring up the 50 points.

In the final minutes Lindsay sent Brooks weaving past a couple of tacklers for the final try.

James Collins

Factfile:

Eagles: Ashley Thackeray, Richie Barnett, Menzie Yere, Tangi Ropati, Misi Taulapapa; Matty Brooks, Brendon Lindsay; Ryan Hepworth, Craig Cook, Mitch Stringer, Sam Barlow, Peter Green, Dane McDonald. Subs: Jonny Woodcock, Trevor Exton, Ged Corcoran, Joe Hirst.

Tries: Cook (18, 61), Taulapapa (67,75), Stringer (16), Yere (25), Green(37), Hirst (47), Lindsay (71), Brooks (78). Goals: Stringer 5/7, Ropati 2/3.

Thatto: Shaun Quinn; Darren Woods, Jamie Hill, John Hughes, Adam Walsh; Andrew Stott, Chris Frodsham; Michael Ledger, Keiron Maddocks, Martin Shea, David Johnson, Mark Beech, Steven Ward. Subs: Kenny Hughes, Carl Lamb, David Bates, Glenn Holland.

Tries: none

Referee: Greg Dolan.

Penalties: Eagles 11 Thatto 4

Attendance: 502

EAGLES EDGED OUT AT HALIFAX

Co-operative Championship, round one, Shay Stadium, Sunday 28 February

Eagles hopes of making a winning start to the Co-operative Championship season slipped away in the final 20 minutes of the game at Halifax.

A 26-12 lead was first wiped out when Fax hooker Sean Penywicz grabbed a try five minutes from the hooter.

It was the first time the Eagles had lost to Halifax in four Rail Cup and league games.

The Shay pitch was heavily sanded following the effects of the bad weather. It cut badly with many muddy patches and making handling difficult.

Ashley Thackeray kept his place at fullback in a line-up that included new wing signings Misi Taulapapa and Richie Barnett.

Eagles were set up for a big tough battle with an all-forwards bench, and they got it in the opening minutes as Halifax battered the line.

A tackle from Thackery just halted a burst by ex-Eagle David Larder and prop Makali Aizue was hitting the line with power in a short first spell.

As in the Rail Cup game at Don Valley the Eagles defence was strong and they came into the game with Brendon Lindsey given space to put in a series of kicks.

Halifax were causing problems for themselves by giving away penalties which kept bringing Sheffield back into their half.

A penalty in front of the posts gave prop forward Jack Howieson the chance to produce a big drive and from acting half-back hooker Craig Cook squeezed his way over for the opening try. Mitch Stringer added the goal.

The Eagles doubled their lead within three minutes as Thackeray made a 40-metre break then followed up a chip by Lindsay to touchdown. Stringer added the goal.

Halifax needed a score but were being let down by poor handling until ten minutes before half-time winger Rob Worrincy intercepted a pass from Dane McDonald to race the length of the field to touchdown under the posts. It seems Worrincy always scores against his old club! Lee Paterson added the goal.

The home side kept up the pressure and were starting to find gaps with Dominic Maloney and Stanley Gene making breaks.

Given a good position in front of the posts scrum-half Ben Black’s chip kick wrong-footed the Eagles cover and fullback Shad Royston swept through for the try. Paterson’s goal put the scores level going into the break.

Eagles made the perfect start to the second half after a penalty put them into the  Halifax 20-metre zone. Sam Barlow put in a couple of drives before Lindsay passed to Trevor Exton whose behind-his-back flip pass sent Menzie Yere through for the try.

Tangi Ropati added the goal.

Luke Branighan was penalised for a high tackle in front of the posts and it gave Ropati an easy kick to stretch the lead to 20-12.

Yere claimed his second try as he bounced off two tacklers following a passing move by Lindsay and McDonald. Stringer added the goal.

But the Eagles were not controlling the ball and it went wrong as Halifax blasted back with two tries in two minutes as Royston completed his hat-trick.

Black and Gene combined to put Royston through and the touchdown seemed to give Halifax a new momentum.

Frank Watene’s pass put Ryston into a gap and the winger claimed his hat-trick as Sheffield looked stunned. With Paterson converting both tries Halifax were back within two points.

James Haley was denied a try by a forwards pass and with ten minutes left Halifax were reduced to 12 men with Said Tamghart sin binned for retaliating and throwing a punch after a tackle by Ged Corcoran.

Halifax were awarded the penalty and the kick put the scores level at 26-26.

Confusion reigned briefly as the referee stopped the game at one point after a touch judge came on the field seemingly to claim that Halifax had an extra man. A swift head count using all the refs fingers (and couple of the touch judge?) and the game resumed.

Handling errors kept Halifax in the Eagles half and with five minutes to go Penkywick went over near the posts from acting half-back to claim the points with Paterson adding the goal. Joy for the Fax, for the Eagles there was only a losing bonus point.

*See Mark Aston’s comments on the game at www.eaglestv.co.uk              

James Collins

FAXCTFILE:

Halifax: Shad Royston; Lee Paterson, Jon Goddard, James Haley, Rob Worrincy; Luke Branighan, Ben Black; Makali Aizue, Sean Penkywicz, Said Tamghart, David Larder, Stanley Gene, Bob Beswick. Subs: Mark Gleeson, Dominic Maloney, Frank Watene, David Wrench.

Tries: Royston (37, 56, 58), Worrincy (29), Penkywicz (75). Goals Paterson 6/6.

Eagles: Ashley Thackeray, Misi Taulapapa, Menzie Yere, Tangi Ropati, Richie Barnett; Brendon Lindsay, Dane McDonald; Jack Howieson, Craig Cook, Mitch Stringer, Alex Szostak, Ged Corcoran, Joe Hirst. Subs: Peter Green, Trevor Exton, Sam Barlow, Ryan Hepworth.

Tries: Yere (41,51), Cook (13), Thackeray (16). Goals: Stringer 3/3, Ropati 2/2

Referee: Jamie Leahey.

Sin Binned: Said Tamghart (Halifax, 70m)

Penalties: Halifax 7 Eagles 9

Attendance: 2139

How the game went:

13 min??Craig Cook try, Mitch Stringer goal - 0-6

16 ???..Ashley Thackeray try, Stringer goal  0-12

29 ???..Rob Worrincy try, Lee Paterson goal  6-12

37???...Shad Royston try, Paterson goal  - 12-12

Half-time 12-12

41 ???.Menzie Yere try, Tangi Ropati goal � 12-18

45???..Ropati penalty  - 12-20

51 ???.Yere try, Stringer goal 12-26

56???..Royston try, Paterson goal 18-26

58???..Royston try, Paterson goal  24-26

70???..Paterson penalty  26-26

75???..Sean Penkywicz try, Paterson goal  32-26

Northern Rail Cup Group B

Sedgley Park RUFC, Manchester, Monday 22 February

Top spot in the Northern RailCup group B was clinched with a win at Oldham but a much-changed team were pushed all the way.

It came down to the 35-metre penalty from John Coleman five minutes from time to edge the Eagles ahead in an exciting game played on a bitterly cold night.

That kept the Eagles unbeaten record in the Northern Rail Cup safe with three wins and a draw.

Forward Sam Barlow put in a big performance scoring two tries, hammering on the door for a  place in the 17 for the opening Championship game at Halifax on Sunday.

Ashley Thackeray was impressive at fullback putting in big tackles, particularly in the first half when he cut out clear try scoring breaks by Oldham.

Coach Mark Aston made a raft of changes -  with forwards Jack Howieson, Joe Hirst, Ged Corcoran and backs Misi Taulapapa, Tangi Ropati left on the sidelines, as the team faced its third game in seven days.

Menzie Yere got useful game time and Richie Barnett on his return after a two-year ban looked to still have blistering pace but was starved of quality ball. 

The unusual line up showed in the early stages. The inexperienced pairing of Coleman and Tim Bergin on the right were caught out of position and forced into poor decisions as Oldham raced into a 10-0 lead with tries from Paul O’Connor and Mark Brocklehurst and a goal from Matty Ashe.

But the two battled through a difficult spell and Coleman can look back on a try and four goals from five kicks on his debut.

After the early setbacks and with forwards Alex Rowe and Barlow coming off the bench the Eagles hit back.

Even a yellow card for Alex Szostak for a late tackle on an Oldham player as he kicked for position failed to stop the revival.

Rowe’s quick thinking and break split the Oldham line and set up the first try for Barlow then Craig Cook’s pass sent in Coleman with the centre adding the goals and the Eagles were 12-10 up at half-time.

The Eagles concentration slipped after the restart and Oldham took back the lead with tries from Neil Roden and Lucas Onyango plus goals from Ashe.

Trevor Exton and Rowe produced good drives before Peter Green claimed the comeback try.

Barlow was put on report by the referee for a high tackle on 51 minutes but the Eagles were on a roll.

Cook’s breaks were causing Oldham problems and after Dane McDonald started the move the hookers pass from acting half-back sent Barlow in under the posts and a goal from Coleman levelled the scores.

That just left the final drama of Coleman’s match-winning penalty kick.

James Collins

Eagles: Ashley Thackeray; Tim Bergin, John Coleman, Menzie Yere, Richie Barnett; Dane McDonald, Matty Brooks; Ryan Hepworth, Craig Cook, Michael Haley, Alex Szostak, Peter Green, Trevor Exton. Subs: Kyle Kesik, Sam Barlow, Jason Mossop, Alex Rowe.

Tries: Barlow (24, 63), Coleman (32), Green (59). Goals: Coleman 4/5.

Oldham: Paul O�Connor; Lucas Onyango, Marcus St Hilaire, Mick Fogerty, Mark Brocklehurst; Neil Roden, Matty Ashe; Jason Boults, Martin Roden, Wayne Kerr, Ben Heaton, Joe Chandler, Chris Clarke. Subs: Dave Ellison, Saqib Murtza, Craig Robinson, Danny Whitmore.

Tries: O’Connor (7), Brocklehurst, Roden (45), Onyango (47). Goals: Ashe 3/4.

Referee: Robert Hicks (Oldham)

Sin Bin: Szostak (19min late tackle).

Penalties: Oldham 6 Eagles 10.

Attendance: 340.

How the game went:

7 min..Paul O’Connor try, Matty Ashe goal � 6-0

10...Mark Brocklehurst try, no goal � 10-0

19..Alex Szostak, sin binned

24..Sam Barlow try, John Coleman goal � 10-6

32...Coleman try, Coleman goal � 10-12

Half-time: 10-12

45...Neil Roden try, Ashe goal � 16-12

47 ...Marcus Onyango try, Ashe goal � 22-12

59 ...??Peter Green try, no goal � 22-16

63...Barlow try, Coleman goal � 22-22

75...Coleman penalty goal � 22-24

Full-time: 22-24

Northern Rail Cup, group B, Don ValleyStadium Wednesday 17 February 

Eagles booked their place in the Northern Rail Cup knockout stages with a gritty defensive performance that blunted the power of Halifax.

Cup favourites Halifax lost their first game and conceded their first points in the competition.

A slippy pitch made sweeping attacking rugby difficult so the Eagles did the simple things right and most importantly defended well.

The forwards were outstanding with skipper Jack Howieson, who scored a crucial try � and Alex Szostak putting in big performances.

Misi Taulapapa was strong and aggressive and looked to building a dangerous partnership with Tangi Ropati.

Hooker Craig Cook was dangerous around the ruck and Matty Brooks came in for the injured Aaron Groom and had a strong first game of the season.

“The big guys were strong and smart, for the last 20 minutes I went down to the touchline just to ‘feel’ it and it was a typical old fashioned tough game of crash, bang rugby league,” said coach Mark Aston.

The kick-off was put back for 20 minutes after tailbacks on the M1 following a crash delayed the Halifax team coach.

The Eagles had to battle back after going a try down early in the game. Halifax’s Lee Paterson intercepted a kick from Brendon Lindsay before passing to centre Jon Goddard who hugged the line for 70 metres and evaded Jonny Woodcock’s covering tackle to claim the try. Paterson added the goal.

Halifax kept up the pressure targeting winger Taulapapa but found the Samoan in uncompromising mood.

Lindsay put in some testing kicks and into the second quarter his chip into the in goal area gave centre Tangi Ropati chance to use his power and speed to dive in for the try. Woodcock added the goal.

Veteran Standley Gene almost caught the Eagles out with a chip into the in goal area but Woodcock covered well.

The game-deciding move came two minutes from half-time after a penalty gave the Eagles chance to move into the visitors 20-metre zone. Lindsay timed his pass perfectly for prop forward Howieson who powered his way over the line carrying two tacklers with him. Woodcock added the goal for the Eagles to lead 12-6 at half-time.

After the break the Eagles had to withstand a battering as second rower Gene led the Halifax assault.

The Eagles closed down the gaps and the defensive line held with Halifax’s frustration pushing up their error and penalty count.

Woodcock’s penalty attempt was wide but two minutes from time hooker Craig Cook kicked a drop goal to extend the margin beyond a single score and end Halifax’s hopes.

The Eagles will play Oldham in their final Northern Rail Cup group B game at Sedgley Park, north Manchester, on Monday, kick-off 8pm. The game was originally scheduled for Sunday but because of Oldham’s ground problems it has been switched to the home of Swinton Lions.

Factfile:

Eagles: Jonny Woodcock, Ashley Thackeray, Jason Mossop, Tangi Ropati, Misi Taulapapa; Brendon Lindsay, Dane McDonald; Jack Howieson, Craig Cook, Mitch Stringer, Alex Szostak, Ged Corcoran, Joe Hirst. Subs: Matty Brooks, Michael Haley, Trevor Exton, Ryan Hepworth.

Tries: Ropati (25), Howieson (38).Goals: Woodock 2/3. Drop goal: Cook.

Halifax: Shad Royston; Lee Paterson, Jon Goddard, James Haley,  Rob Worrincy; Luke Branighan, Anthony Bowman; Neil Cherryholme, Sean Penkywicz, Dave Wrench, David Larder, Stanley Gene, Bob Beswick. Subs: Mark Gleeson, Said Tamghart, Frank Watene, Stephen Bannister.

Tries: Goddard (7).Goals: Paterson 1

Referee: Gareth Hewer (Whitehaven)

Penalties: Eagles 11 Halifax 7

Attendance: 851

James Collins

HOW THE GAME WENT:

7min?? .Jon Goddard try, Lee Patterson goal � 0-6

25???..Tangi Ropati try, Woodcock goal � 6-6

38???...Jack Howieson try, Woodcock goal � 12-6

Half-time: 12-6

78???...Craig Cook drop goal � 13-6

Northern Rail Cup, group B, Don Valley Stadium, Sunday 14 February

Eagles turned on a power display in the second half to blast away York Knights, even with only 12 men.

The 40-10 margin, which included a hat-trick of tries for prop Mitch Stringer, gave the Eagles their first win in the Northern Rail Cup group B.

It set up a great clash with Halifax at Don Valley on Wednesday.

Even being reduced to 12 men after Alex Rowe was sent off, for allegedly leading with his elbow going into a tackle on 48 minutes, seemed only to make the team step up a gear.

York had no answer as the Eagles scored five tries after the red card incident.

York led by former Eagles’ half-back Chris Thorman had spells when they seemed likely to punish some sloppy handling by the Eagles but in the end the Knights couldn’t live with a stronger faster home team.

Fullback Jonny Woodcock made the break that set up for the opening try for the Eagles as prop Mitch Stringer barged his way over the line. Woodcock was unable to add the goal.

Eagles doubled their lead as Woodcock made another break, this time on the left, and stand-off Dane McDonald ran on to his pass to charge over. Again Woodcock failed with the conversion.

The misses were to prove costly as York’s hooker Joe McLochlan put in a chip kick for winger Wayne Rettie to drop on the ball on the left. Lee Waterman added the goal to narrow the margin to two points.

Rettie almost repeated the procedure from Chris Bromilow’s kick but was ruled off-side after discussions with both touch judges.

New signing Misi Taulapapa almost crashed his way over blasting through a couple of York tackles before being denied a try for a double movement.

Centre Tangi Ropati came close to increasing the lead just before half-time but the Eagles went in 8-6 ahead.

The Eagles started the second half looking strong as they pinned York in their 20-metre zone.

A penalty for a high tackle set up great position before Lindsay broke to the right and put out a long pass for centre Tangi Ropati to dive in by the flag.

Eagles were down to 12 men on 48 minutes when, after a drive near the York line, prop Alex Rowe was shown a red card for leading with his elbow.

York couldn’t take advantage and it was the Eagles who cashed in with two ‘gift’ tries from the Knights.

Back rower Joe Hirst tried his luck from dummy half and was allowed to burst in for a try.

Player-coach Chris Thorman never stopped trying to spark life into his team but the Eagles tighten the noose.

Hooker Craig Cook, back on after Aaron Groom limped off, put out a long pass across the front of the posts from acting half-back and Stringer was allowed to twist over for the touchdown. Woodcock’s goal famine ended as he added the conversion.

Eagles were on a roll as Lindsays’ chip to the in goal was dropped on by Cook and Woodcock added the goal.

Stringer completed his hat-trick of tries bursting on to a short pass close in and after Taulapapa had make a strong break Cook nipped in for his second try. Woodcock added both goals.

York had to settle for a late try from Waterman from Richard Blakeway’s pass.

James Collins 

Factfile:

Eagles: Jonny Woodcock, Ashley Thackeray, Jason Mossop, Tangi Ropati, Misi Taulapapa; Brendon Lindsay, Dane McDonald; Jack Howieson, Craig Cook, Mitch Stringer, Peter Green, Trevor Exton, Joe Hirst. Subs: Aaron Groom, Sam Barlow, Ged Corcoran, Alex Rowe.

Tries: Stringer (8,54, 68), Cook (61,72), McDonald (14), Ropati (43), Hirst (51). Goals: Woodcock 4/8.

York  Danny Ratcliffe; Wayne Reittie, Mike Mitchell, Lee Waterman, Danny Wilson; Chris Thorman, Casey Bromilow; Nathan Freer, Joe McLocklan, Alex Benson, Jordan Ross, Danny Hill, Richard Blakeway. Subs:  Brett Walker, Chris Clough, Carl Barrow, Paul Stamp.

Tries: Reitte, Waterman. Goals: Waterman 1/2

Sent Off: Alex Rowe (Eagles 48  raised elbow in tackle).

Referee: Robert Hicks (Oldham)

Penalties: Eagles 10 York 9

Attendance: 814.

Man-of-the-match: Mitch Stringer.

HOW THE GAME WENT:

8min??.Mitch Stringer try, conversion missed � 4-0

14???.Dane McDonald try, conversion missed � 8-0

23???.Wayne Reiffe try, conversion Lee Waterman � 8-6

Half-time: Eagles 8 York 6

43???.Tangi Ropati try, conversion missed � 12-6

48???.Red Card Alex Rowe

51???.Joe Hirst try, conversion missed � 16-6

54???.Mitch Stringer try, Jonny Woodcock goal � 22-6

61???.Craig Cook try, Jonny Woodcock goal � 28-6

68???.Mitch stringer try, Jonny Woodcock goal � 34-6

72???.Craig Cook try, Jonny Woodcock goal � 40-6

75???.Waterman try, conversion missed 40-10

Final score: Eagles 40 York 10

HULL FC WIN CAN'T SPOIL JACK'S BIG DAY

Sheffield Eagles 18 Hull FC 46

Don Valley Stadium - 24 January 2010 - Jack Howieson Testimonial Match

Match Report and Stats by Simon Jones and Peter Gaunt

Sheffield Eagles finished their pre-season build-up with an 46-18 points defeat at the hands of Super League giants Hull FC.

The game, which was well attended by both sets of fans, was a fitting tribute to Eagles captain Jack Howieson, who put in a man-of-the-match performance, in his testimonial game.

Eagles started on the back foot, conceding a try in the first 70 seconds of the game scored by Ewan Dowes. Danny Tickle kicked the conversion to give Hull a 6-0 lead. Eagles tried to respond but found it difficult to breach the Hull defence.

The pressure told once again on the Eagles when in the 12 minute Mark Calderwood scored in the right hand corner. The try came after good work from Danny Houghton who chipped over the top of the Eagles’ defence and passed the ball out to the winger who ran in to score. The lead could have been extended further but Tickle missed the conversion to leave the score at 10-0.

Hull continued in their scoring by touching down three minutes later. New Australian recruit Mark O'Meley delivered a short defence splitting pass to Willie Manu who ran through the gap, fighting off three Eagles tacklers before driving over the line. This time Tickle made no mistake from in front of the posts.

The black and whites added two quick tries by Kirk Yeaman. The first saw the centre palm off one defender before beating two more and powering across the line to put his side 22-0 in front which soon became 28-0 courtesy of an intercept try for the centre.

Hull completed their first half scoring just before the break, through 16-year-old Reece Lyne. Some sloppy Eagles defending allowed the youngster to touch down in the left hand corner. Tickle converted once again to give Hull a 34-0 lead at half time.

The second half saw a spirited Eagles fight back even after conceding another early try. Dowes benefiting from an Eagles knock on to score his second of the match. Eagles fought on and their perseverance paid off when former Hull reserve Craig Cook cut inside the defence and scored under the posts. Irish trialist John Coleman converted to reduce the deficit to 40-6.

Eagle half-back Aaron Groom then created another chance for the home side. Groom kicked ahead which allowed centre Jason Mossop to fly in and pick up the ball on the five meter line, brushing off two Hull players to score. Coleman converted from out wide to make it 40-12.

Hull scored the last of their seven tries through Richard Whiting after a free flowing backs move allowed the centre to glide over in the right hand corner. The try scorer then kicked the conversion.

Shortly after Eagles hit back when youngster Corey Hanson put pressure on Whiting who threw the ball aimlessly to avoid it going out into touch. Hanson won the chase to the ball, kicked ahead and beat Hull’s scrambling defence to score. Testimonial star Jack Howieson kicked his first ever conversion, in ten years at the club, to see off a fine second half display from the Eagles which ended 46-18 to Hull.

Sheffield Eagles: Jonny Woodcock, Tim Bergin, Jason Mossop, Tangi Roparti, Ashley Thackery, Brendon Lindsay, Matt Brooks, Jack Howieson, Craig Cook, Mitch Stringer, Alex Szostak, Tervor Exton, Dane McDonald. Subs: Corey Hanson, John Coleman, Joe Hirst, Dan Hawksorth, Aaron Groom, Kyle Kesik, Alex Rowe, Sam Barlow, Ged Corcoran

Hull FC: Jack Briscoe, Mark Calderwood, Richard Whiting, Kirk Yeaman, Reece Lyne, Jordan Tuner, Danny Waskbrook, Ewan Dowes, Danny Houghton, Mark O'Meley, Danny Tickle, Willie Manu, Lee Radford Subs: Mike Burnett, Craig Hall, Sam Moa, Danny Nicklas, Denis Tuffour, Liam Kent, Epalahame Lauaki

Referee: Matthew Thomason

How the game went:

0 Min: Hull Kick off

1.10 TRY Hull -Dowes - Converted by Tickle [0-6]

4 Penalty Eagles - kicked to touch

5 Knock on Eagles - scrum to Hull

7 Penalty Eagles - kicked to touch

8 Scum Hull

8.20 Penalty Hull - kicked to touch

10 Knock on Hull - scrum to Eagles

12 TRY Hull -Calderwood - Conversion missed by Tickle [0-10]

15 TRY Hull -Manu - Converted by Tickle [0-16]

20 Penalty Hull - kicked to touch

21 Scrum to Eagles

22 Penalty Eagles - kicked to touch

23 Penalty Eagles - tapped

24 Penalty Eagles - tapped

26 Knock on Eagles - scrum to Hull

26 Tickle crosses for Hull but held up by Eagles

27 TRY Hull -Yeaman - Converted by Tickle [0-22]

30 Penalty Eagles - kicked to touch

32 TRY Hull -Yeaman - Converted by Tickle [0-28]

35 TRY Hull -Lyne - Converted by Tickle [0-34]

37 Penalty Eagles - kicked to touch

38 Scrum Eagles

40 Half time: 0-34

40 Eagles kick off second half

41 Scrum Hull

42 Scrum Hull

43 TRY Hull -Dowes - Converted by Whiting [0-40]

45 Penalty Hull - kicked to touch

46 Knock on Hull - scrum to Eagles

47 Penalty Eagles - kicked to touch

48 Knock on Hull - scrum to Eagles

49 TRY Eagles -Cook - Converted by Coleman [6-40]

51 Penalty Eagles - kicked to touch

52 TRY Eagles -Mossop - Converted by Coleman [12-40]

62 Scrum Eagles

66 TRY Hull -Whiting - Converted by Whiting [12-46]

70 Knock on Hull - scrum to Eagles

71 Penalty Eagles - kicked to touch

75 TRY Eagles -Hanson - Converted by Howieson [18-46]

77 Penalty Eagles - kicked to touch

78 Penalty Eagles - kicked to touch

79 Scrum Eagles

79 Penalty Eagles - tapped

80 HOOTER: 18-46