Sheffield scrape past Swinton

17/04/2023

If Sheffield Eagles were wanting to put a show on for the Viaplay Sports cameras, they had a funny way of showing it with a 16-6 victory over Swinton Lions at the Olympic Legacy Park.

A 10-0 half-time lead soon got nervy thanks to Gavin Rodden’s try underneath the sticks but Ben Jones-Bishop wrapped the game up with five minutes left following a superb break from Kris Welham.

The story of the night would be Cory Aston’s try, the Eagles’ second of the night and 5000th overall in what has been some journey since Gary and Kath Hetherington got the ball rolling back in 1984.

The opening score of the night went to Quentin Laulu-Togaga’e, who found himself on the wing and weaved his way past a couple of Lions defenders before touching down. Aston’s conversion attempt hit the post as he stayed on 498 points for the Eagles.. for the time being.

It was Aston that extended the hosts’ lead, taking him to 502 individual points and bringing up the coveted 5000th try, with a dash direct from a scrum. He also converted for what would be the final movement on the scoreboard in a scratchy first half.

Half-time - Sheffield Eagles 10-0 Swinton Lions

Ten minutes into the second period came Swinton’s only try of the contest. Rodden charged down a Halafihi kick before collecting and dotting down under the sticks. Dan Abram converted and it was more than just game on with half an hour remaining and four points between the sides.

The vast majority of the territory went Swinton’s way as they continued to pressure the Eagles while searching for an equaliser.

However, despite their attacking woes, Sheffield stayed firm in defence as they kept taming the onrushing Lions.

A huge sigh of relief swept across the OLP when Welham made the break for Jones-Bishop to seal victory. Aston added the extras.

Full-time - Sheffield Eagles 16-6 Swinton Lions

A fair wait now for the Eagles’ next game as they travel to table-toppers Featherstone Rovers on Sunday 7th May, 3pm KO, Tickets available here!

By Dan Fowler, photo by Alex Coleman