Keighley vs Eagles Preview

23/01/2020

Sheffield Eagles will be hoping to build on a positive start to 2020 as they travel to West Yorkshire to complete their pre-season against Keighley Cougars.

The Eagles reclaimed the South Yorkshire Cup with a 36-18 win over rivals Doncaster, with new signings Zack McComb, Frankie Mariano and Rob Worrincy all scoring on their debuts.

Greg Burns opened the scoring for the 1895 Cup Champions, diving over from dummy-half on 13 minutes.

Josh Guzdek converted Burns’ try and subsqeuently set-up Aaron Brown with a smart offload.

Doncaster drew level before the interval with Harry Carter and Brad England both grabbing converted tries each.

Sheffield regained the advantage after half-time when Mariano powered over the line, following a pass from Thackeray. Guzdek couldn’t convert from a difficult angle.

Former Super League ‘Man of Steel’ Rangi Chase showed his quality to help Doncaster to their first lead of the afternoon.

The playmaker broke the Eagles’ defensive line before playing over his half-back partner Watson Boas. Kieran Lawton added the extras

With only ten minutes remaining, the Eagles regained their advantage courtesy of McComb barging over the line from close-range. Guzdek hit the upright with the conversion attempt.

Guzdek then registered his first try of the afternoon with a walk-in following silky footwork from Izaac Farrell. Guzdek converted his own score.

McComb completed his brace as he broke clear from a scrum play and there was still time for the former Oldham centre to lay on a try for winger Worrincy, who put the icing on the cake.

Sunday’s hosts Keighley Cougars come into this weekend's friendly after an impressive 68-10 win over Coventry Bears in Josh Lynam’s testimonial match.

Keighley cruised past the West Midlands outfit as they led 46-4 at half-time thanks to scores from Tyler Prell, James Feather, Aaron Levy, Jake Webster, Lewis Wray and Jack Miller, who notched a hat-trick.

Second-half scores were added by Prell, Miller, Matt Welham and also Lynam on the back-rower's special day.

Zak Fellows and Leon Harber were the try scorers for the visitors.

Keighley were dealt a cruel blow this week as the club announced that Jordan Aitchison will have to take a temporary step back from his playing duties after being diagnosed with a heart condition.

The Eagles would like to pass on a message of support for Jordan at this time.

One to Watch - Jake Webster

Our one to watch for the West Yorkshire side is former Melbourne Storm centre Jake Webster.

The experienced Australian joined the Cougars ahead of the new season and has been appointed club captain for 2020.

Last term Webster scored 11 tries in 25 appearances for the Bradford Bulls.

Tickets for Sunday’s 2pm Kick Off are priced at £10 for Adults, £5 for Concessions and £1 for Juniors and tickets can be bought via this link.

By Lewis Coleman, photo by Alex Coleman