Eagles Wheelchair vs Halifax Panthers 'A' report
05/06/2023
Sheffield Eagles 4 – 48 Halifax Panthers A
Sunday 4th June 11.30am KO, Forge Valley School
Friendly Game
Sheffield Eagles welcomed Halifax Panthers A to Forge Valley for a friendly game on Sunday, with the aim of giving new and less experienced players some game time against an opposition that currently does not play competitive fixtures.
Despite the visitors coming away with the win, it was mission accomplished for the Eagles who were able to give extended periods to newcomers Julie Fimusanmi, Lisa Kelly-Pride and Ian Pride who all got stuck into their new sport with desire and determination.
Stacey Roulson captained the side and led from the front with two extended spells which saw her take on an organising role, steering the team around the pitch and Lottie Davis-Browne also shouldering additional responsibilities in defence, with a superb performance that she will take into competitive games in the coming weeks.
The Eagles claimed a consolation try near the game’s conclusion, with April Brooks finding a gap as the fledgling Eagles built confidence and pressure on the right hand side of the field to create space for the teen to slip through the blue and white defence, much to the delight of all in attendance, although she was unable to improve with the conversion.
The game was played in an excellent spirit, with the Panthers also having taken plenty from the game during which they were made to work hard for their scores and try new things to get their rewards and coach Tom Martin will be pleased with the run out.
Significantly for the Eagles, a sustained period of the game was played with an all-female team on the field, during which the team kept a clean sheet and Brooks chalked up her score, demonstrating the inclusivity of both Wheelchair Rugby League and the Eagles approach to diversity.
Next up, a similar side will face Leeds Rhinos A, Sunday 11th June, 12.45pm KO at Forge Valley before the Eagles return to competitive action with a Championship Fixture vs Rochdale Hornets on Saturday 17th June (1.30pm) followed by a North League fixture for the A team vs York City Knights (3.15pm) – both games taking place at the English Institute Of Sport.
Sheffield Eagles
April Brooks, Will Brooks, Lisa Kelly-Pride, Ian Pride, Stacey Roulson. Interchanges: Lottie Davis-Browne, Jack Johnson, Julie Fimusanmi, Shaun Orton
Tries: April Brooks (70)
Goals: April Brooks 0/1
Halifax Panthers A
6 Hannah Mickleburgh, 13 Joseph Calcott, , 12 Jack Stockton, 10 Mo Rakhman, 5 Julio Hernandez. Interchanges: 30 Andrew Atkinson
Tries: Julio Hernandez (9, 56, 64), Jack Stockton (13, 16), Mo Rakhman (14, 42), Andy Atkinson (19, 31, 60)
Goals: Joseph Calcott 2/5, Andy Atkinson 1/2, Julio Hernandez 1/3
Referees: Kim Abel / Ewan Clibbens
