Eagles soar to top of League 1

07/09/2022

Sheffield Eagles 30

Illingworth 6 

1pm, 4th September, Mosborough Miners Welfare

The game began with the Eagles kicking off to Illingworth, with an early knock on from Illingworth putting the Eagles in the perfect position for some early points. A grubber kick to the corner gave Tiffin the opportunity to sprint through and grab the ball - grounding it on the left wing. Haglington converted, giving Sheffield a 6 point lead with just 2 minutes on the clock. 

Just minutes later, Auger took her chance, charging through the Illingworth defensive line at half way and powering past their fullback to score under the sticks. Haglington added the extras. With sustained pressure from the Eagles, they once again worked their way into Illingworth's half. With Saunders making a strong drive to dive over the try line - setting up Haglington perfectly to kick and add the extras. 

Taking her opportunity once again, Auger broke the defensive line 70m out to charge towards the try line and score. With a 100% conversion rate so far, Haglington once again added the extras. With a final push before half time, Parker caught Illingworth's defence napping, with a weaving run from 40m out to score under the sticks. 

Leaving the half time score at an impressive 30 - 0.

Catching the Sheffield defence off guard, Illingworth's no 5 broke through to sprint 30m and score under the sticks. Their no 5 successfully converted to add the extras. 

What followed was 15 minutes of frustration, with errors from both sides leading to the flow of the game being lost. With the Eagles coming close to scoring on multiple occasions, only to be denied and held up over the try line.

Before either team had the chance to score again, the game had to be abandoned at 68 minutes due to an injury to one of Illingworth's players. The player was taken to hospital, and returned home the same day - we wish them all the best for a speedy recovery. 

The final score of 30 - 6 has secured the Eagles a spot at the top of the league - a position they plan to solidify in their final game against Featherstone Lionesses this weekend! 

Players of the Match 

Head Coach Liam's Player - Capucine Auger

Assistant Coach Dan’s Player - Olivia Mulvey

Captain Pete’s Player - Lisa Parker

Vice Captain Sarah's Player - Pete Lendon

Sheffield Eagles

Tries: Ellie Tiffin (2), Capucine Auger (4, 38), Simone Saunders (22), Lisa Parker (40) 

Goals: Molly Haglington 5/5

Ellie Tiffin, Aiden Cottrell-Callbeck, Claire Fisher, Phoebe Evans, Molly Haglington, Lisa Parker, Sarah Palmer (VC), Nell Coclough, Tori Thomas, Jessica Sayles, Simone Saunders, Beth Arnold, Pete Lendon (C), Chris Scullion, Olivia Mulvey, Capucine Auger, Jenny Crofts, Isobel Stevens, Kate Fletcher, Tayler Coates

By Chris Scullion