Eagles bounce back with big win over York

09/06/2023

A response was needed. An emphatic one was received.

Following disappointment against Whitehaven last Sunday, Sheffield Eagles came out of the blocks flying and showed no signs of stopping as they dismantled York Knights 40-10 at the Olympic Legacy Park.

They’ll be hopping around town on buses for free soon enough but believe me when I say Kris Welham, Ben Jones-Bishop, Anthony Thackeray and Quentin Laulu-Togaga’e can play this game.

Welham notched a hat-trick; Jones-Bishop, Thackeray and QLT all helped themselves to one apiece while Matty Dawson-Jones also got on the scoresheet.

Jones-Bishop was first on the board as he got his 200th career try with a tidy finish in the corner. Cory Aston couldn’t convert.

Aston and Jones-Bishop would combine for Sheffield’s second score, coming directly from a York kick… ish. Will Jubb’s grubber had too much juice, seven tackles for the Eagles but they technically needed zero as from the quick tap Aston set sail, Jones-Bishop in support and 80 metres later he offloaded to Dawson-Jones. Magic that Dynamo would have been proud of. Aston goaled. 10-zip.

Chris Clarkson broke York’s duck on the half-hour mark. Joe Brown converted. However, the half belonged to the Eagles and two late tries would see the good guys head into the sheds 16 points up.

Welham got his first, sparking the “I want ginger hair too” chant, before a rendition of “ONE MORE YEAR” for Thackeray, who created four points thanks to a one-two with a York player that would be more suited to Wednesday or United. Aston added both goals.

Half-time - Sheffield Eagles 22-6 York Knights

Into the second period and Welham is still superb. He completed his brace with a Hull bus special as Thackeray took the line on and fed the centre. Aston, dos points, gracias.

Conor Fitzsimmons kept the game alive, sort of, for York with a try 16 minutes from time. Brown’s conversion attempt didn’t hit the mark.

An Aston break was supported by the evergreen QLT and the full-back managed to use as much of the pitch as possible to deny Brown a try-saver. Aston pinged one from the touchline, struck the ball as sweet as Tiger in his pomp.

Ending proceedings with Welham completing his hat-trick. Could have had four but knocked on a slick move to the right flank in the final minutes. He’ll make a player if he keeps at it.

Full-time - Sheffield Eagles 40-10 York Knights

Toulouse away next up. Get your bucket hats packed.