Eagles off the mark in North League
03/07/2023
Wakefield Trinity 8 – 22 Sheffield Eagles A
Saturday 1st July. 1.30pm KO,
St Thomas A Beckett School, Wakefield
North Division
Sheffield Eagles A recorded their first win in the North League over local rivals Wakefield Trinity.
Youngster Will Brooks got things off the mark seven minutes into the game with some trademark speed as he hurtled down the wing having caught the ball in space, although sister April Brooks failed to add the conversion.
In a game that was nip and tuck throughout, both sides traded several sets before David Butler managed to break free to push the Eagles further ahead, Will Brooks’ conversion falling short of the crossbar.
Wakefield’s score before half time as Emma Haigh caught the Eagles left edge napping in defence kept them in touch as the hooter went, although Gareth Ramsey was unable to close the gap with the conversion to leave a 4-8 half time score.
The second half saw more close play, with Wakefield levelling as Ramsey found himself in space to level the scores, but couldn’t move his side in front as the kick went wide of the sticks.
Butler broke free and dummied round Haigh to put Jack Johnson, who was scoring in support, in to the right corner to restore Sheffield’s advantage, but was unable to convert the score.
Youngster Chris Brown pounced on a loose ball from Will Brooks’ down field kick to push Sheffield further ahead, with Stacey Roulson adding the extras.
The final word of the day went to Will Brooks, having kicked high and the Trinity defence letting the ball bounce, he regathered and performing the wheelchair equivalent of a side-step, scored in the left corner – a dazzling display of skill and foresight! Roulson was unable to add the extras, but with time on their side the Eagles were soon celebrating their first win in the North League.
Next up for the Eagles Wheelchair teams is a double-header of fixtures on Sunday 9th July at the EIS Sheffield against North Wales Crusaders – the North League game (for the clubs’ A teams) kicks off at 11.20am whilst the first teams clash in the Betfred Championship at 13.00pm.
Wakefield Trinity
Gareth Ramsey, Sid Ramsey, Emma Haigh, Kate Haigh, Gavin Dobson
Tries: Emma Haigh (39), Gareth Ramsey (48)
Goals: Gareth Ramsey 0/2
Sheffield Eagles A
Shaun Orton, Will Brooks, April Brooks, Jack Johnson, David Butler. Interchanges: Lisa Kelly-Pride, Stacey Roulson, Lottie Davis-Browne, Chris Brown, Stuart Wilkinson.
Tries: Will Brooks (7, 76), David Butler (24), Jack Johnson (56), Chris Brown (68)
Goals: Aprils Brooks 0/1, Will Brooks 0/1, David Butler 0/1, Stacey Roulson 1/2
Referees: Grant Jackson / Kim Abel
