Eagles share spoils with Broncos

02/05/2021

Sheffield Eagles were held to a 20-20 draw against London Broncos at the Keepmoat Stadium on Saturday.

A last-minute penalty goal from Jarrod Sammut levelled the scores, after the Eagles looked to have snatched the win courtesy of an Aaron Brown try.

The Broncos had Abbas Miski to thank for his contribution to proceedings as the winger scored a hat-trick.

Mark Aston welcomed Rob Worrincy, Ryan Johnson, Paddy Burns and Frankie Mariano back into the team, replacing Jack Render, Mike Adlard, Blake Broadbent and Joel Farrell.

James Glover scored the opener for the Eagles as he linked up with Ryan Millar to break through the Broncos defence. Izaac Farrell converted for a 6-0 lead.

Tuoyo Egodo responded for the Broncos with an unconverted score, before Sheffield extended their advantage with a Farrell try.

Frankie Mariano powered through the visitors’ attempted tackle and Farrell was on his shoulder to finish the move. The half-back also converted.

Miski had the final say of the first period as he intercepted a pass from Josh Guzdek to go the length of the field. Chris Hankinson misfired with his second conversion attempt of the afternoon.

Half-time - Sheffield Eagles 12-8 London Broncos

Just after the hour mark, London claimed their first lead of the game as Miski touched down and Hankinson converted.

A penalty goal from Farrell in the very next set, after London had been penalised despite having possession, tied things up at 14-apiece.

Miski completed his hat-trick with seven minutes remaining as Hankinson made a break and fed his winger. Jarrod Sammut took over the kicking duties but his conversion attempt went wide.

Instinctive work from Glover set up a crucial Eagles try in the final stages of the contest. A low pass was kicked on by the centre who regathered before feeding Brown to go over under the sticks.

Farrell converted for a two-point buffer but there was to be a final twist in the tale.

A penalty was awarded to the Broncos ten metres out from the Eagles line following a scuffle on the ground. Sammut was on hand to knock over the two points in what was the last notable action of the game.

Full-time - Sheffield Eagles 20-20 London Broncos

By Dan Fowler, photo by Alex Coleman