Eagles defeat debutant Robins at Forge Valley
26/06/2023
Sheffield Eagles 28 – 10 Hull Kingston Rovers
Saturday 24th June, 3.00pm KO, Forge Valley School, Sheffield
Friendly
Sheffield Eagles welcomed Hull Kingston Rovers to Forge Valley School for their first ever 80 minute game, following their initial participation in the RFL’s Wheelchair 4s competition at the start of the season.
Greg Brown used the opportunity to give his newer and less experienced players valuable game time, the third of such games over the last month which has been hugely beneficial with the improvements in individuals very visible.
Hull KR started strongly with the impressive Harry Norton busting through on the right edge with ten minutes on the clock. Alan Sherriff, who put in a sterling 80-minute shift, was unable to convert.
Being behind on the scoreboard seemed to click the Eagles into gear and the rest of the half belonged to the Red & Golds as Ben Simpson showed some excellent leadership and individual skill to post a first half hat-trick, doing well to find space and with some jinking moves to evade the defence on display for each of his tries. Ian Pride’s two conversions sandwiched Simpson’s own miss, giving the home side a 16-4 lead at the break.
The second half started strongly, with Shaun Orton cruising through off a peach of a ball from Simpson to give himself a simple kick at goal.
Just before the hour mark, youngster Kalichi Fowell found space on the right to put the game beyond doubt, with Simpson slotting the conversion.
The Rovers added a consolation score in the dying minutes, with Alan Sherriff barging his way through, giving Simon Bromwich an easy chance to extras.
The Eagles “A” team is in action in the North Division versus Wakefield (away) on Saturday 1st July, before both Wheelchair sides will be at home on the morning of Sunday 9th July as part of a quadruple header of Rugby League at the OLP with the Eagles women and men also playing.
Sheffield Eagles
Shaun Orton, Lottie Davis-Browne, Jack Johnson, Ben Simpson, Julie Fimusamni. Interchanges: Will Brooks, April Brooks, Stuart Wilkinson, Lisa Kelly-Pride, Ian Pride, Stacey Roulson, Jenny Pearson.
Tries: Ben Simpson (24, 31, 35), Shaun Orton (48), Kalichi Fowell (59)
Goals: Ian Pride 2/2, Ben Simpson 1/2, Shaun Orton 1/1
Hull Kingston Rovers
Gary Sweeney, Karl Jacob, Alan Sherriff, Harry Norton, Simon Browich. Interchanges: Liam Waslin, Pete Durrant, Sarah Cooper, Kalem Bennett, Chris Grubb, Barry McGuigan, Joe Davison, Lesley McNichol.
Tries: Harry Norton (10), Alan Sherriff (71)
Goals: Alan Sherriff 0/1, Simon Bromwich 1/1
Referees: Karli Wilkinson / David Butler
