Coaches: Andy Tyers - John Winder

Results

 April : Doncaster Dragons Academy (20) 34 Sheffield Eagles Academy (18)18......read

 21 April : Sheffield Eagles Academy(0) 6 Oldham(30) 30  ...... read

4 May: Barrow Raiders Academy (8) 30 Sheffield Eagles Academy(18) 34 .... read

10 May: Sheffield Eagles Academy (12) 18 Doncaster Dragons Academy  (20) 41...read

31 May: Oldham Academy (16) 38 Sheffield Eagles Academy (10) 28 ..... read

14 June: Doncaster Dragons Academy (12) 22 Sheffield Eagles Academy (20)30 ... read

29 June: Sheffield Eagles Academy (23)53 Doncaster Dragons Academy  (4)18 ... read

12 July: Oldham Roughyeds Academy (18) 26 Sheffield Eagles Academy  (14) 30... read

2 August: Doncaster Dragons Academy (16) 41  Sheffield Eagles Academy (17) 27...read

SHEFFIELD EAGLES ACADEMY AWARDS - 2003 ... read

Doncaster Dragons Academy (20) 34 Sheffield Eagles Academy (18)18

THE young Sheffield Eagles Academy began their season with a bruising defeat at South Yorkshire rivals Doncaster Dragons.
For Sheffield the game was marred by an early injury to debutant winger Andrew Linton who broke his leg in a collision.

A mistake from the kick-off gave Doncaster possession and they turned this into points.
The Eagles - a mix of professionals and local amateur talent - showed determination and were rewarded with a Paul Wells try after Michael Fitzsimons had carved a gap out for Simon Morton. Hillsborough Hawks under18s star Bryn Evans converted and added a penalty.

Sheffield caused plenty of problems for a heavier more experienced Doncasater side. But some poor defensive work allowed Doncaster to add two more first half tries to give them a 20-18 lead at the break.
The second half belonged almost exclusively to the young Eagles. Hooker Adam Carroll nipped over, Evans converted and added a couple of penalties, taking the score to within four points with 20 minutes remaining But unforced errors gifted the home side 12 points in a disastrous two-minute spell.

Eagles Team:

1 Greg Hurst
2 Carl De Chenu
3 Copley
4 Paul Wells
5 Andrew Linton
6 Bryn Evans
7 Fitzsimmons
8 Rob North
9 Adam Carroll
10 Berry
11 Simon Morton
12 Ricki Reckless
13 Lawton
14 Concannon
15 Barnett
16 Brett Staveley
17 Storey

Eagles scorers:Tries: Adam Carroll, Paul Wells. Goals: Bryn Evans (x5)

Mon 21 Apr 2003
Sheffield Eagles Academy(0) 6 Oldham(30) 30

@ Don Valley on Easter Monday

Perfect conditions, a strong looking side and a score from the first attack seemed to be a good platform from which the young Eagles team could build a winning position. However, an experienced and talented Oldham team had other ideas and tore holes in the home defence with a succession of clever plays , exploiting some weak tackling and poor covering to rack up a 30 point lead at half time.
The second half started slightly more positively for Sheffield with Jordan James, back from duties in the Gulf, showing up well in his first appearance in a Sheffield jersey, Adam Carroll crossed for a try, but it was only temporary respite as the young Eagles side tired and the visitors took their chances to score another 30 points in the second half to well and truly trounce the home side.
Whilst the effort cannot be faulted , there are levels of contribution, patterns and techniques which this Sheffield side need to get to grips with quickly or they will be in for a rough ride this year.
The U21's hope for their first victory when travelling to Barrow this weekend to feature in a curtain raiser before the first team game at Craven Park , there will be some members of the first team squad available with something to prove to the coaching staff.

Eagles scorers: Tries - Adam Carroll Goals - Bryn Evans

SUNDAY MAY 4TH 2003

BARROW RAIDERS ACADEMY (8) 30 SHEFFIELD EAGLES ACADEMY (18) 34

Late late Lee Bettinson show steals first win for Sheffield.

A match winning try to cap a match winning performance from Lee Bettinson stole a victory from the jaws of defeat for a gallant Sheffield Eagles Academy at Barrow on Sunday.

Sheffield started the game with a sense of urgency and Carl De Chenu opened the scoring after good work from Rob North. Sheffield went further ahead with tries by John Breakingbury and Rob North , both goaled by the reliable boot of Bryn Evans playing at full back this week to give the young Eagles side a comfortable lead. A lapse of discipline and some poor cover defence allowed the home side in for a couple of scores , but the Eagles closed the half 18-8 ahead.

The home side had clearly been given some direction at half time and stormed into the Eagles at the beginning of the second half , again some poor tackling gifted Barrow easy scores as a leaky defence was cruelly exposed. To their credit, this Sheffield team has some resilience and character and refused to give in , gradually they chipped away at the home side's lead with a brace of tries from Lee Bettinson , then right at the hooter Bettinson delayed his pass perfectly for captain Morton to storm through a gap and was alert enough to back up to receive the try scoring and match winning pass to seal the Eagles first win in the Senior Academy League this year.

Whilst this was a team performance no one could deny the extra class of Lee Bettinson who will be pushing for a 1st Team recall on the evidence of this display. It was also pleasing to see Tom Lyons back in action and another fiery effort from Michael Fitzsimmons.

Tries: Lee Bettinson (x3); Jon Breakingbury; Rob North; Carl de Chenu. Goals: Bryn Evans (x5)

SATURDAY 10TH MAY

Sheffield Eagles Academy (12) 18 Doncaster Dragons Academy  (20) 41

The first 9 minutes of the match was played at an incredible pace, where both teams were guilty of trying too hard and making too many basic errors. Doncaster capitalised on the Eagles errors and Mark Moxon crossed the Eagles line after Wayne Green's break. Green converted. The tackling by both sides was fierce and whenever one side was close to scoring they threw possession away. Eagles' Lee Bettinson found his kicking boots early on and with his solid tackling kept giving the Eagles a chance to bounce back.

Three minutes later, after a great deal of pressure on the Doncaster line, Carl de Chenu broke Doncaster's defence and scored close to the left hand touch line. Bryn Evans converted and the scores were level.

Doncaster broke the deadlock after 22 minutes when Martin Sykes scored the first of his tries. Eagles had been guilty of making too many mistakes close to the Doncaster line and eventually the Eagles tackles were broken. Green converted again. Three minutes later and Shane Southgate scored. Many people felt that the ball had been knocked on in the process of being grounded but the try stood. Green converted again. Three minutes later Eagles had another penalty awarded against them and Green duly obliged with an easy 2 points.

Stringer was nearly the next to score and was denied by some hard defensive play, and then the cardinal sin of not having a half-back at the play of the ball gifted possession back to Doncaster. Thankfully for the Eagles errors prevented progress by Doncaster and Eagles regained the ball and Jordan James dived over for Eagles second try which Evans duly converted.

This was just before the half-time hooter and an excellent time for a response.

Score: Sheffield 12 Doncaster 20

The second half looked to be starting well for the Eagles who kept possession at the kick-off but unfortunately the ball was knocked on in the tackle. Tom Buckenham broke through the Eagles tackles to send in Martin Sykes for another try, again converted by Green. Just to rub salt in the wounds Green the scored a drop goal 3 minutes later.

Several minutes later after frantic and scrappy play by both teams, it appeared that Mitch Stringer had lost the ball in the tackle but, Simon Morton picked it up and went in for a captain's try, converted by Evans.

Jason Eagle made a break and passed to John Talbot and it looked a certain try but he was tackled and forced into touch with a brilliant cover tackle.

Eagles then had to withstand a long period of pressure close to their line, with the Dragons losing the ball over the line, but they were not to be denied yet another try, set up by Green and scored by Martin Sykes. Green converted. Stringer and Angus along with James kept the pressure up on the Dragons, but careless errors stopped any progress. Doncaster appeared to be suffering from the relentless tackling by the Eagles, but Doncasters superior size got the better of the Eagles and Mark Moxon linked up with Green for him to go in and score a try of his own, which he duly converted.

At the restart the Eagles kick failed to go the 10m and Green failed in his penalty attempt from halfway.

Doncaster were forcing the errors and after some strange decisions by the referee the Dragons were awarded a penalty in front of the posts, which Green did not miss.

It had been a good contest, with both sides committed to attempting open rugby and hard tackling. The game was spoilt by too many basic handling errors by both teams. Doncasters superiority in size took its toll on the Eagles, but it was a good game to watch.
 

Sheffield Man Of The Match: Lee Bettinson : Doncaster Man Of The Match: Martin Sykes
Referee: Phil Bentham (whose decisions had both sides and spectators baffled)

 

Sheffield scorers :-Tries:Carl de Chenu, Jordan James, Simon Morton. Goals:Bryn Evans (x3)

Doncaster scorers: Tries: Moxon, Southgate S., Green, Sykes (Martin)(x3) Goals: Green (x8) Drop Goal: Green

Saturday 31st May 2003

Oldham Academy (16) 38 Sheffield Eagles Academy (10) 28  

at Manor Park, Oldham
 

The afternoon started with the Oldham golden gamble seller sporting a new Roughyeds replica shirt in the Oldham RUFC clubhouse. He could probably afford a few more having just won over £4 million on the mid-week Lotto. He was rewarded with an entertaining game between two sets of youngsters each brandishing an over age player very familiar to the opposition supporters.

The game started inauspiciously for the Eagles with Carl de Chenu failing to hold the kick-off and Oldham scoring from the resultant scrum. A penalty conceded from the kick-off resulted in a further try and with one conversion kicked the Eagles were ten nil down without touching the ball.

The Eagles now started to settle and played their way back into the game. The loose forward was certainly making his presence felt and Sheffield supporters had to enquire as to who was wearing the number 13 shirt for the Eagles. The Oldham supporters were more than aware that it was their old boy Darren Robinson who had spent the last couple of seasons at their local rivals Rochdale Hornets and was making his debut for the Eagles after an unhappy spell at York. His kicking game kept Oldham pinned back and the pressure told when Paul Wells forced his way over, quickly followed by Adam Carroll who took advantage of a quick play the ball to dive over from short range. One Bryn Evans conversion and the scores were level at 10-10. The Eagles were now on top but a smart play from Oldham hooker Darren Shaw led to a home try under the posts in the last seconds of an extended half. Darren Shaw was a long way from his Wembley triumph with the Eagles in 1998!

Half time Oldham 16 Eagles 10

The second half started badly for the Eagles as they conceded three quick tries to find themselves trailing 32-10 and looking as though they may be facing a repeat of their capitulation at the hands of Oldham a few weeks earlier at Don Valley Stadium. However this time they managed to steady the ship and with some hard running from the forwards, in particular Ryan Angus, they clawed their way back into the game and two smart tries from Darren Robinson, both converted by Bryn Evans brought them back into the game at 32-22.

Robinson then turned villain as he tried to steal the ball rather than tackle the man, missed both of them and watched as the Oldham player romped under the posts to clinch the game. There was just enough time for the Eagles to launch a big kick down the wing for Carl de Chenu to chase. The ball took a wicked bounce in field but there was Paul Wells to fly in and touch it down under the posts, Evans converted and the referee blew his whistle on a 38-28 final scoreline.

A special mention must go to Ryan Angus who played the full 80 minutes and was continuously seen bringing the ball out of defence and even charging half the length of the field in the last 10 minutes. Good tackling displays from Adam Carroll, Michael Fitzsimmons and Jordan James with Paul Wells and Darren Robinson also pushing hard for first team places.

Eagles scorers - Tries Wells (2), Carroll, Robinson (2) , Goals Evans (4)

 14th June 2003

Doncaster Dragons Academy (12) 22 Sheffield Eagles Academy (20)30

Thorne RUFC

The Eagles Academy team beat Doncaster Dragons Academy, in Doncaster, on a sun drenched afternoon today (Saturday).  I arrived to see some good attacking play and then Mark Lawton score for Eagles, and then, I asked a Doncaster supporter what the score was and was surprised to find out that Eagles were in front.

Half time: Doncaster 12 Sheffield 20 with tries by Adam Carroll(16min), Paul Wells(19), Jon Breakingbury(30) and Mark Lawton(37) and a penalty and conversion by Bryn Evans.

The second half started in a bad way (for Eagles) with Doncaster scoring a try on 45min which was not converted and then again, after an intercepted pass by their no.6 which he converted. This put Doncaster ahead much against the run of the play(22 - 20).

Jordan James went in on 63 minutes giving Bryn Evans an exceptionally difficult kick which he didn't succeed with. On 70 minutes Gareth Berry went in for Eagles' 6th try which Bryn managed to convert. The last few minutes were played at a 100mph by both teams and Eagles were guilty of throwing away far too many chances within inches of the line and Doncaster failed to convert the resulting possession. Both sides failed to hold onto the ball for long enough, but at the end of the day the Eagles deserved their win against the previously unbeaten Dragons. Lee Bettinson had a good kicking game and there were some amazing tackles made (and missed!!) by others. Carl de Chenu was solid in defence and Rob North and Ryan Angus made good yards.
A good fast game which was enjoyable to watch for many reasons, especially the standard of tackling by both sides was, when successful, awesome.

 29th June

Sheffield Eagles Academy (23) 53 Doncaster Dragons Academy  (4)18

Don Valley, Sheffield

The weather was a repeat of that on June 14th in Thorne and extremely hot and once again the young Eagles "put one over" local rivals Doncaster Dragons. This time the win was really comprehensive and by 35 points, which put all the other derby results in the shade.

The game started much the same as the last encounter between the two teams and it wasn't until the 15th minute before Bryn Evans broke the deadlock with a drop goal. Thoughts of a close low scoring match were beginning to come to the front.
The Eagles and Dragons made forays into each others territory, only for basic errors (knock-ons, drop balls forward passes or similar) stopping progress. Jordan James then linked up with Jon Breakingbury to cross for the whitewash for the first Eagles try, which Darren Robinson converted. Austin Aggrea was a constant thorn in the Eagles side and made several good breaks but to no avail. Carl de Chenu managed to touch down, but had it disallowed and the Dragons went on the attack again and with Wayne Green taking the tap, he raced up the pitch, caught the Eagles asleep, and went in to touch down which he failed to convert. James linked up with Paul Wells and this time Wells went over for the first of his tries on 31 minutes, which Robinson failed to convert. We didn't have to wait long before Adam Carroll linked up with Lee Bettinson who scored between the posts which Robinson converted. Further pressure by the Eagles was successful on 38 minutes when Robinson scored and converted his own try to give Eagles a 19 point lead.

Doncaster were beginning to show signs of frustration and on 40 minutes Eagles were awarded a penalty on the halfway line which Robinson opted to have a shot at goal. He missed by 20 m and it failed to go dead, but the whistle went to end a successful half for the Eagles.

The Dragons came out in the second half fired up and eventually on 45 minutes Aggrea went in for Doncaster's second try. After another 5 minutes of further pressure saw Andrew Smeaton power through the Eagles defence, win a penalty for a stupid "push" by an Eagle. The tap penalty was taken and Smeaton found his way over the line for Green to miss yet another kick.
This was the wake-up call which Eagles needed and Doncaster then found it difficult to get out of their own 20m. area. A good string of passes starting with de Chenu and ending with Wells on the other side of the pitch, put Wells in for his second try. Bryn Evans took over the kicking duties and duly converted the try on 54 minutes. The pressure was maintained until Breakingbury dropped the ball over the line, but Bettinson forced the Dragons back only for Carroll to knock-on with the line at his mercy. A concerted effort by the Dragons came to nothing and Carroll made up for his error, powered down the centre of the field and scored between the posts which Evans converted on the 67th minute.
Doncaster then managed to mess up the restart, Eagles capitalised and Gareth Duckett went over on 71 minutes, which was again converted by Evans. Doncaster were not to be humiliated and Wayne Green put Jason Eagle over to score a try which Green managed to convert for once.
Lee Bettinson went on the charge, made a great break, covered 50 m. before being halted by Doncaster, but quick thinking made him pass to Gareth Barnard, who was backing up well, who scored to the left of the posts which Evans converted again.
Doncaster tried again to improve their score but knocked on just inches from the Eagles line. Jordan James collected the ball, raced out of defence, passed to de Chenu who scored under the posts. Evans lined up to take the kick, Robinson asked the ref how long was left. The refs reply was "this will be the end" so Robinson just swung his boot at the teed-up ball and made a successful kick.
It was the end of a "good day at the office" for the Eagles, who have now squared the series with the local rivals who are now not top of the league, as Oldham thrashed Barrow as well.


Sheffield: Evans,de Chenu, Breakingbury, Wells, Collins, Fitzsimons, Bettinson, North, Carroll, Duckett, James, Lawton, Robinson, Reckless, Berry, Barnett, Barnard.

Sheffield scorers: Try:- Breakingbury; Wells (2); Bettinson; Robinson; Carroll; Duckett; Barnard; de Chenu.
Goals:- Robinson (4); Evans (4) + 1dg

Doncaster: Talbot, Frost, Woodstone, Southgate S, Aggrea, Green W, Southgate W, Buckenham, Smeaton, Everton, Lamb, Ostler, Eagle, Christian, Brown, Ford, Thorne.

Doncaster scorers:- Try:- Green; Aggrea; Smeaton; Eagle. Goals:- Green

Saturday 12th July

Oldham Roughyeds Academy (18) 26 Sheffield Eagles Academy  (14) 30

Oldham RUFC

The Eagles Senior Academy team turned up the heat on a scorching day in Oldham recording their 3rd successive win on the trot.

Injuries and late withdrawals stretched the squad to it's limits but the team proved they have the metal when it matters.

The Eagles put themselves under pressure straight from the kick off and it didn't take a strong Oldham team long to take the lead with a couple of tries, gifted by mistakes from the young Eagles.

This stirred Sheffield into action and Darren Robinson created some space to glide in, virtually unopposed for the Eagles first try which he duly goaled , moments later the Eagles scored again with a Jordan James try in the corner after some good creative work by Irish flyer Carl de Chenu.

The fledgling Eagles didn't have it all their own way and some poor tackling gifted the home side another 6 pointer, before Sion Williams, on debut crashed over the line near the posts to keep Sheffield in the hunt at half time.

The Eagles lost John Breakingbury with a back injury at half time and worse was to follow when Carl de Chenu who gets better with each game, was carried off on a stretcher with a dislocated shoulder. Oldham scored a try to take them further ahead but Sheffield with Bettinson and the outstanding Robinson pulling the strings launched a series of attacks and were rewarded when Rob North crashed over from close range and the impressive Jordan James scored his second try both goaled by Robinson.

Robinson added a simple penalty to bring an end to the scoring and the young Eagles held out to gain their first, and a deserved win over their Oldham counterparts.

Although all the team played their part, Lee Bettinson and Jordan James were outstanding in defence, whilst Darren Robinson and Kieron Collins shone with the ball. This result keeps the young Eagles side in with a chance of winning their league and the performances also put pressure on the first team, which is all good for the club.

The next academy game is a curtain raiser before the fist team match at home to Barrow this Sunday 20th July and it is well worth an early entry to Don Valley to see these young guns in action.

Sheffield Scorers: Try:- Robinson; James; North; Sion Williams Goals:- Robinson (5)

 Saturday 2nd August

Doncaster Dragons Academy (16) 41  Sheffield Eagles Academy (17) 27

 U21 Senior Academy Play Off semi final

Sheffield's Academy side finished their season in much the same way as they started it with a disappointing defeat against the auld enemy from Doncaster. First team selections , several unavailability's , injuries and late withdrawals decimated the Eagles line up but the line up eventually selected were more than capable of producing the required performance and so result. From the kick-off the home side were gifted possession from a host of unforced errors , compounded with penalties as the young Eagles side struggled to get any decent ball. It was no surprise as Doncaster took the lead with a couple of early , easy tries.

The visitors showed some character and clawed their way back into the match with some bustling runs from Rob North and Baz Berry. Lee Bettinson rode his luck when a cheeky chip through rebounded off the post for him to collect and score , with Bryn Evans converting the Eagles were back in the game.

More good work from Bettinson resulted in a try for the ever alert Evans as he chased a cross field kick and the home defence cracked under the pressure for Evans to pounce on a loose ball and score. This began a good spell for the visiting side and it was entirely appropriate that Baz Berry crashed over from close range after good work from De Chenu to extend the Eagles lead , Evans converted and added a clever drop goal , before Doncaster had the last word with a score to leave the Eagles ahead by 17 - 16 at half time.

In sweltering heat the second half was played at a fast pace and the physical demands on the players began to take it's toll , with gaps opening up in both defences. Eagles lost Gareth Duckett with a nasty cut in the corner of his eye socket ,but with Bettinson at his best the chances began to appear and Mark Lawton forced his way over for a try after being put through a gap by the impressive Bettinson. Some good handling on the left gave Irish flyer DeChenu just enough space to race in for another try ,goaled by Evans to give the young Eagles side real hope of vistory as the lead by 7 points with just 2 minutes left. Credit must go to Doncaster and the committment of their team who pulled a try back , aided by some slack Sheffield defending , and they drew level with the very last kick of the match when an absent defence allowed home full back Green enough room to drop a goal to send the match into extra time.

This gave the home side momentum and two unanswered tries in the first period of extra time effectively killed the game off , try as they might , the Eagles simply ran out of strength and could not respond finally going down by 41 points to 27.

It has been a challenging season for the Eagles in their first foray into U21's Senior Academy and whilst the accepted role of an Academy team must be to develop the players with an eye on the future , this team could have and really should have produced better results than those posted. A big thanks to all the players for their effort and commitment and also to 1st teamer Richard Goddard for his coaching help during his recent injury.

SHEFFIELD EAGLES ACADEMY AWARDS

2003

Sheffield Eagles Academy is supported by Hanlon & Wright

All awards were presented by Chris Noble


Most Improved Player - Sponsored by Hanlon & Wright

Winner : Mark Lawton

Coaches Award - Sponsored by Hanlon & Wright

An annual award that is not necessarily for on-field performances

Winner : James Barnett

Players Player of the Year - Sponsored by Hanlon & Wright

Annual trophy voted for by the players themselves.

Winner : Gareth Berry

Player of the Year - Sponsored by Hanlon & Wright

Annual trophy voted for by the coaching staff

Winner : Bryn Evans