REPORT | Sheffield Eagles 12-8 Widnes Vikings
28/08/2026
Sheffield Eagles ended the regular Betfred Championship season with a 12-8 victory over Widnes Vikings at the MEPS International Home of Football Stadium last night.
After suffering a narrow defeat at Doncaster on Sunday, Craig Lingard wanted his side to respond with a strong performance and finish the regular season on a positive note ahead of next weekend’s Playoff Eliminator.
It was an even contest in the early stages at the MEPS International Home of Football Stadium, although the Eagles came close to opening the scoring inside the first 20 minutes, with forwards Masi Matongo and Martyn Reilly both being held up by some resolute Widnes defence.
The Eagles did break the deadlock with 15 minutes remaining in the first half. Jordan Adull’s kick towards the corner was palmed back inside by Joe Brown, with Will Oakes collecting possession before finding Jack Bussey, who crossed to the right of the sticks.
Brown thought he had gone over himself shortly afterwards in the right corner, but was ruled to have knocked-on while attempting to ground the ball.
Bussey’s effort proved to be the only score of the opening 40 minutes, with the Eagles heading into the break holding a 4-0 advantage.
Sheffield extended their lead 10 minutes after the restart as Kieran Gill crossed for his 14th try of the season in the left corner.
The Eagles had further opportunities to add to their advantage, with Oakes being held up just minutes later before Blake Broadbent went agonisingly close shortly afterwards.
With nine minutes remaining, Gill crossed out wide once again to score his second try of the evening and give the Eagles a 12-0 lead.
Widnes did manage to fight their way back into the contest late on, with Jenson Windley first converting a penalty before Castleford loanee Alfie Lindsey went the full length of the field to score as the hooter sounded.
Despite the visitors’ late fightback, Sheffield held on to secure the victory and end the regular league season with two valuable points.
The Eagles will return to the MEPS International Home of Football Stadium next weekend for the Betfred Championship Playoff Eliminator, where they will host either Whitehaven or Batley Bulldogs. Their opponent will be confirmed following the conclusion of Sunday’s remaining league fixtures.
Full details of the playoff eliminator will be announced in due course.
Sheffield Eagles: Eden, Brown, Oakes, Gill, Millar, Morgan, Abdull, Matongo, Johnson, Reilly, Bower, Foster, Griffin
Interchanges (all used): Bussey, Butterworth, Broadbent, Bowes
18th Man: Fitzsimmons
Tries: Bussey (25’), Gill (50’, 71’)
Goals: Abdull (0/2), Bower (0/1)
Widnes Vikings: Windley, Coughlan, Rhodes, Lindsey, Sergent, Forshaw, Lyons, McWhirter, Doolan, Houghton, Taylor, Grice, Hall
Interchanges (all used): Hamer, Jupp, Bennett, Harper
18th Man: Rigby
Tries: Lindsey (80’)
Goals: Windley (2/2)
Referee: K. Moore
Attendance: 669
