Aston: Plenty of positives despite York defeat

22/03/2021

Sheffield Eagles Director of Rugby was pleased with his side’s attitude despite tasting defeat to York City Knights last Friday in the Challenge Cup. 

The Eagles were beaten 30-6 by a strong Knights outfit, with Greg Burns scoring the hosts' only try of the evening.

Aston was delighted to see James Glover and Club Captain Matt James make their respective returns from injury, while also introducing new signing Ryan Johnson into the fold. 

“It wasn’t the performance we were looking for but I thought the scoreline flattered them a little bit as we gave them two or three soft tries,” said Aston. 

“The effort and commitment was there from the guys after not playing for 12 months. 

“We were a bit rusty but it was great to see both Matt James and James Glover back out there as they are proper leaders. 

“We also had a few of the younger lads out there too with Izaac (Farrell) and Ryan Johnson.

“There are plenty of positives but we have a few things to work on including our discipline in the opposition half and how we are turning the ball over. 

“It was great to be back. We are disappointed but we’ll dust ourselves down ahead of a tough start to the league season.” 

Aston handed out praise to Johnson for his debut performance as the youngster was matched up against ex-Super League veteran Ryan Atkins. 

“I thought Ryan was great,” he added. 

“You have got to remember that this kid has only played six reserve games for Hull so he’s not played at this intensity and level before. 

“He has to come off the pitch tonight with confidence. I told him before that I have seen enough of him in pre-season to know that he can handle it. 

“He certainly showed that over the next couple of years, he will turn into a really strong player.” 

One of the highlights in the game was a massive defensive play from Oliver Davies as he stopped Ben Jones-Bishop from scoring a length-of-the-field try. 

When asked about Davies’ effort, Aston beamed: “I was so proud of him,” 

“Not only did Olly get back, they all got back to stop them scoring from that set of six. 

“It showed our attitude and commitment to the cause. 

“People will look at the scoreline, 30-6, but they scored a couple of tries from kicks and got one from dummy-half too which frustrates me. 

“That is 18 points from those three tries so if you take that away, there’s nothing in it but that’s the game - we can’t afford to knock off and not handle their kicks. 

“We have a committed bunch and I have been highly delighted with them through pre-season. 

“We got our backsides kicked, which is probably what we needed as we’ll get our heads down now ahead of the league season.”

By Dan Fowler, photo by Alex Coleman