Eagles into Challenge Cup Round 6 after Workington victory

15/03/2020

Sheffield Eagles booked their place in the sixth round of the Coral Challenge Cup with a 34-18 victory over Workington Town.

Corey Makelim and Joel Farrell both registered braces for the South Yorkshire side, who managed to overcome a solid Town outfit.

Oliver Davies and Ryan Millar also crossed in the first half, followed by Izaac Farrell in the second period.

Makelim and Rob Worrincy made their respective returns to the Eagles lineup after missing the loss to Bradford Bulls.

The first two tries of the afternoon went to back-rower Farrell.

On both occasions, the Jamaica international ran great lines and had too much power for the Workington defence. Izaac could only convert one from two.

Town got their opening four-pointer on 25 minutes courtesy of Carl Forber. Jamie Doran kicked forward, Conor Fitzsimmons tapped the ball back into play for Forber to touch down. The scrum-half converted.

Millar, Davies and Makelim all touched down within eight minutes of each other to extend Sheffield’s advantage to 20-points at the break.

Millar’s effort was a defence-to-attack score with Anthony Thackeray cutting out a dangerous Workington attack with an interception.

The playmaker passed to Worrincy who was brought down but the next tackle saw the hosts work the ball to the other flank for Millar to finish.

Farrell converted, and did so for the next two tries.

Thackeray teed up Davies for his third try in this year’s Challenge Cup, before the scrum-half provided the assist for Makelim with a chip over the top.

The full-back still had work to do but evaded a couple of Town defenders to go over next to the sticks.

Workington drew first blood in the second half thanks to Fuifui Moimoi’s typically powerful drive. Forber added the extras for 26-12.

A quick-fire double in the final quarter helped Sheffield seal victory. Farrell Jnr spotted a gap in the Town defence and made the most of it, prior to Makelim completing his brace close to the corner. Neither try was converted.

Town had the final say in the scoring stakes as Blain Marwood supported a Doran break. Forber kept his 100% success rate with his third conversion of the game.

The draw for the sixth round of the Challenge Cup takes place this evening. 16 teams remain in the competition and you can watch the draw live, from 6pm, on the BBC Sport website or by joining the Our League app/website. 

By Dan Fowler, photo by Alex Coleman