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Sluggish start costs Sheffield dear in York

02/04/2023

Sheffield Eagles were knocked out of the 2023 Challenge Cup and 1895 Cup by a valiant 12-man York Knights 24-22 at the LNER Community Stadium.

The Eagles, similarly to their two league defeats so far this season, were behind the eight-ball in the early stages of the first half - staring at a 20-0 deficit in almost as many minutes.

Myles Harrison and Conor Fitzsimmons both touched down either side of a Danny Kirmond brace.

On the half-hour, second-rower Kirmond was sent off for a late hit on Cory Aston and that would be enough to kick the Eagles into gear during the second period.

Half-time - York Knights 20-0 Sheffield Eagles

Back-to-back tries from Kris Welham and Aston put life into the Sheffield fightback.

However, a turnover from York’s kickoff - followed by an AJ Towse try - stopped the visitors in their tracks.

Wingers Jason Bass and Matty Chrimes, with Aston kicking one from two, brought the Eagles back to within two points of the opposition with five minutes to go.

With a last roll of the dice, an Eagles kick was brought in by York as the hooter sounded.

Full-time - York Knights 24-22 Sheffield Eagles

A trip to the Toon awaits Sheffield on Friday as Newcastle Thunder play host to the Men and LDRL teams.

By Dan Fowler, photo by Alex Coleman