|
|
|
Sheffield Eagles RLFC |
|
Contact: |
|
MATCH PREVIEWS |
|
FRIDAY 11th February 2005: NORTHERN RAIL CUP |
|
DON VALLEY STADIUM - KICK OFF 8 PM |
|
This is the first competitive match played at the Don Valley Stadium this year. The competition is The Northern Rail Cup and Eagles are in the same group as Doncaster, Dewsbury and Batley and Mark Aston (Eagles Coach)has almost a full squad to select from and is expecting a tough match.THE Eagles are set to inject some new blood into their ranks for their opening Northern Rail Cup game against Dewsbury. Former Halifax second row forward Jaymes Chapman and former Batley prop Chris Molyneux are among coach Mark Aston’s new signings, along with promising young Australian John Crawford, who ironically emigrated “Down Under’’ from Sheffield. “We are always producing young quality players in the Sheffield area and John’s return to play for his home club will be Well received,’’ said Aston, who has named prop Jack Howieson as team skipper for the season, with Gavin Brown as club captain. Former Coventry Bears centre Adrian Veamatahau is also expected to make his bow in the Eagles shirt. |
|
FRIDAY 18th February 2005: NORTHERN RAIL CUP |
|
BELLE VUE, DONCASTER : KICK-OFF 7:30 PM |
|
DRAGONS boss St John Ellis will demand a more disciplined performance in the South Yorkshire derby against Sheffield and plans to shake up his team in the process.“We let ourselves down last week against Batley with some indiscipline. We need to eradicate our mistakes very quickly,’’ said Ellis, who will look to ex-Dewsbury, Rochdale and Hunslet Hawks scrum half Latham Tawhai for some inspiration round the rucks this time out. Tawhai, along with former Hull FC hooker Craig Cook are included in Doncaster’s squad. |
|
SUNDAY 27th February 2005: NORTHERN RAIL CUP |
|
MT PLEASANT, BATLEY: KICK OFF 3:00 PM |
|
EXPERIENCED prop Martin McLoughlin faces a long lay-off with a knee injury and misses Batley’s Northern Rail Cup clash with Sheffield. Ex-Oldham and Barrow forward McLoughlin damaged a knee in the defeat at Dewsbury and could be sidelined for some time, according to Coach Gary Thornton. Hooker Kris Lythes is also a doubt after suffering a damaged mouth, while robust prop Joe Berry is only slightly less than certain to miss the game with stitches in a leg wound. But free-scoring fullback Craig Lingard is on the verge of playing his first full game following a close-season shoulder operation, while prop David Rourke is expected to fill-in for McLoughlin. Paul Harrison could also return from injury. “Defensively we were very poor against Dewsbury, but we are still trying to gel the new players together with our established ones and that is a little tricky as yet,’’ said coach Thornton. |
|
|
|
FRIDAY 4th March 2005 : NORTHERN RAIL CUP |
|
DON VALLEY STADIUM, KICK OFF 8:00 pm |
|
Eagles aim to sign forward for Friday. SHEFFIELD Eagles hope to sign a Super League forward before Friday's game with Batley Bulldogs. The dramatic move would ease a growing injury list - with team captain Jack Howieson the latest victim.Coach Mark Aston's target was due to train with the squad last night and then have talks on a possible move. Aston said: "Hopefully within the next day or so we will be announcing a signing which will strengthen us for the Friday game."It's a player that has played here before and has had Super League experience and if all goes well he will be back in the ranks on Friday night."Howieson went off after only ten minutes of the 28-16 defeat at Batley - who come to Don Valley on Friday in the second half of a double header in the Northern Trains Cup. |
|
|
|
SUNDAY 13th March 2005 |
|
CASTLETON GABRIELS FC : KICK OFF2PM |
|
Sheffield's Mark Aston, a Challenge Cup Final winner against Wigan at Wembley in 1998, will still be having nightmares about last season's Powergen Challenge Cup Third Round clash with Leigh Miners that saw his Eagle's side lucky to scrape through 14-12 and their 16-14 defeat by Dewsbury amateurs Thornhill Trojans in 2000. Waterhead play two divisions lower than the Miners, but the Oldham side are enjoying a good season under coach by Ian Spence as they push for promotion from the National Conference League second division. Lee Sculthorpe, brother of St Helens and Great Britain forward and Wigan's prop Danny Sculthorpe, is a key player while ex-Oldham forward Paul Lord is also prominent alongside Nick Wood and the hugely influential scrum half, Lee Charlesworth. Paul Eastwood and former Rochdale Hornet, Darren Nixon are others that played well in the Saints' 36-24 victory over Askam in Round One, and the 15-12 defeat of the Army in Round Two. Waterhead lost 74-1 to Swinton Lions in the third round in 2000. |
|
|
|
SUNDAY 20th March 2005 |
|
RAMS boss Andy Kelly is shaken, but not stirred from his task following his club’s shock Powergen Challenge Cup exit and promises a major change to his side’s input ahead of the home Northern Rail Cup game with Sheffield. “We did everything right in training ahead of the game at Wath Brow Hornets, but we ended up playing catch-up rugby,’’ said Kelly, who took his players to task in the post-match training sessions. “The players are fine physically, but we are mentally scarred and need to re-tune our thoughts,’’ said Kelly, who will select from everyone except Kurt Rudder and Paul Seal. “They are the only two players who are ruled out of my thoughts at the moment because they are injured,’’ warned Kelly. The Eagles have new Aussie prop signing Damien Lynch set to make his Northern Rail Cup debut, but Coach Mark Aston is undecided about playing two more new signings, Lynton Stott and Gareth Stanley. “Both are very experienced players, but I’m not yet convinced they are ready to play,’’ said Aston, who also has Aussie Joseph Pitt and ex-Bradford Bulls forward Sam Bibb on the fringe of selection. But Aston is still fuming at having lost former London Broncos prop Mitchell Stringer to engage Super League side Salford City Reds. “It’s an issue I have yet to resolve,’’ said Aston. |
|
|
|
Friday March 25th 2005 |
|
HOOKER Gareth Stanley and prop Sam Bibb are set to make their Northern Rail Cup debuts for the Eagles, as coach Mark Aston prepares to ride out the shock waves from last weekend. The match will be played at Clifton Lane Rotherham, the home of Rotherham Titians rugby union club. Having lost heavily at Dewsbury and noting that Doncaster thrashed Batley, Aston would be wrong not to worry about what lies ahead. “Doncaster are a big, strong side and, after seeing what they did at Batley, it won’t be an easy task,’’ said Aston, who has further doubts with the fitness of Gavin Brown, Andy Rice, Chris Molyneux and Craig Brown. Ex-Hull KR fullback Lynton Stott is also expected to make his first appearance over the Easter weekend. |
|
|
|
Monday 28th March 2005 |
|
SKOLARS will again be a difficult side to beat on their own ground as joint coaches Marcus Tobin and Alex Smits plan the LHF League Two season out. Their opening clash with Sheffield couldn’t be more difficult, but they know that nothing is impossible if they set their minds to the task. With Smits coming out of retirement to support his front row and the remainder of the squad benefiting from past experiences, Skolars may prove to be a surprise package yet again this campaign. The Eagles continue to recruit well with coach Mark Aston producing some well-timed signings in recent weeks. Well-travelled back Lynton Stott should be a top man to have as last line of defence, while Gavin Brown, Chris Molyneux, Andy Rice and Craig Brown continue to add their welcome experience to another-wise young side. “We will want to do a thoroughly professional job in our opening games. It’s important that we get off to a good start,’’ said Aston, who won’t be afraid to shake up his side if things start to go wrong. |
|
|
|
Eagles coach Mark Aston has confirmed he has no injury worries (other than long term absentee Jack Howieson) ahead of Sunday's 4th Round Powergen Challenge Cup clash against Barrow Raiders.Aussie Prop Damien Lynch, who escaped a ban following his sending off against Dewsbury, but was fined ?75 for his high tackle, is likely to feature in the Eagles 17, as is Sheffield Rugby Union star Jimmy Pearson after impressing Aston in the previous two games. "Jimmy Pearson's kicking brought a new dimension to the games and he has earned his place in the team. Having Damien Lynch available gives us that vital cover for Jack Howieson and that extra bit of muscle in the front row." says Aston. Assuming the Eagles win, it will be only the second time the club has made it to the last 16 since their shock win at Wembley in 1998. "The chance to play a big Super League side has obvious financial rewards, but the opportunity for the players to test themselves against the best is also as exciting" Aston continued. |
|
Friday 8th April 2005 |
|
EAGLES boss Mark Aston is upbeat ahead of his side’s home game with Blackpool despite being knocked out of the Powergen Challenge Cup. Aston will thus have to concentrate all his efforts on the League, starting with the home game against Blackpool in which prop Jack Howieson and Damien Lynch, who escaped a suspension, will play a major role. Aston will have practically a full squad to choose from apart from Andy Rice, who has a groin injury. The Panthers have Liam McGovern out with a thigh injury, but Liam Bretherton returns to partner Martin Gambles at halfback with Martin Roden at hooker as coach Kevin Ashcroft prepares his players. With Samoan Willie Swann named as Blackpool’s assistant to Ashcroft it leaves the experienced Steve Molloy’s future at the club open to speculation. Molloy joined Panthers after being released as player-coach at Oldham and was one of the favourites to take over the coaching role when Blackpool sacked Mark Lee after four games, but the 37-year-old ex-Great Britain prop is again at the cross roads of his career. “Steve is still training with the club, but he will not be included in the team selection,’’ confirmed Ashcroft, who has pinned his hopes on Aussie Angus Martin to lead the forwards |
|
|
|
Chris Molyneux (Sheffield Eagles) was found guilty of striking against Barrow Raiders on April 3. He was suspended for three games and fined £75. |
|
|
|
THE Knights hope to have a three-pronged boost ahead of their LHF League Two clash with Sheffield. Aussie back row forward Simon Friend, along with fullback Matt Blaymire and utility back Lee Lingard, are added to coach Mick Cook’s plans to topple one of his former clubs. “I’ve got a bit of a headache on the selection front,’’ said Cook, who has ruled out a quick return for Matt Cain (shoulder) and Chris Ross (hamstring). The Eagles will want to erase the shock of losing to Blackpool, but with prop Chris Molyneux picking up a three-match ban and key halfback Gavin Brown sustaining a broken hand, coach Mark Aston may well have to rethink his ideas on the game. Added to the squad are Jimmy Pearson, Jaymes Chapman, Joseph Pitt, Simon Morton, Andy Rice and Ryan Dickenson as Coach Aston expects a massive change in the Eagles output. “We got ourselves into a bit of a rut against Blackpool and they took full advantage. I trust that won’t happen again,’’ warned Aston. |
|
Friday 22nd April 2005 |
|
NEW acquisition Rob Worrincy is set to make his home debut for the Eagles against the Cougars. The highly-rated 20-year-old winger has been snapped up from Castleford Tigers and Coach Mark Aston is poised to throw him in at the deep end. “He’s a good kid with bags of pace and the fact that he has been on full-time terms at Castleford means he should be fit to go straight into the side,’’ said Aston, who is also keen to find an experienced half back next. Craig Brown should be in contention for the weekend but Gavin Brown is ruled out with a broken hand and that leaves Sheffield short on knowledgeable halfbacks. “We have an extremely young side that could do with some experience round the scrums,’’ admitted Aston, who adds Simon Morton, Lee Brentley and Ryan Dickenson to his selection plans. The Cougars have utility back Matt Bramald available after he was found not guilty at the mid-week Disciplinary meeting. With Daniel Harvey, Chris Parker and Jason Clegg set to return, it should strengthen the Cougars at Sheffield. |
|
|
|
REGULAR prop Nick Staveley is on target to make his return from Hunslet after a two-month injury lay-off with damaged ankle ligaments. Coach Roy Sampson also adds Leeds Academy centre Calvin Watson, at Hunslet on a month's loan, to his plans, but front row forward Neil Mears is likely to sit out the next few games with an injured knee. Sampson is also in the market to strengthen his front row and could well seal a deal ahead of the game with Sheffield. "Calvin is a good addition to the side and Nick Staveley will add some steel to our front row on his return from injury,'' said Sampson. The Eagles have former Challenge Cup hero Waisale Sovatabua set to make his comeback debut on the wing as Coach Mark Aston hails his return. "Waisale will make a big difference to the younger players in this club,'' said Aston, who will also be lifted by Gavin Brown and Craig Brown returning from injury. "We need to freshen things up a little and I hope to do that before the weekend,'' said Aston, who has been linked with Featherstone's lively halfback Jon Presley. |
|
|
|
GATESHEAD Thunder are set to field exciting new signing Andrew Pierce as two teams looking to climb into the play-off race meet in a crucial clash at the Don Valley Stadium on Friday night. Both Sheffield and Gateshead have made disappointing starts to the campaign, and sit four points adrift of sixth-place Workington going into this match. Another defeat would leave either side up against in the scramble for a play-off spot. Thunder have been boosted by the addition of prop Pierce, who made 181 NRL first grade appearances with Cronulla Sharks and Adelaide Rams. "It is another big signing for us and a great boost ahead of the game,” Thunder coach Dean Thomas said. The match sees the return of Thomas to the Don Valley - he worked there as a conditioner under Mark Aston. Ex-Eagle Scott Collins, Thunder's outstanding player in their narrow defeat to York on Sunday, also heads back to Sheffield. Eagles coach Aston is hoping that broken-hand victim and key play-maker Gavin Brown is fit to figure for the first time in over a month. |
|
Sunday 5th June 2005 |
|
RAMS coach Andy Kelly is confident of wrapping up a deal that brings ex-Halifax forward GED Corcoran to Dewsbury, but he will be ruled out of the game against the Eagles on Sunday. “Geed still has another week to serve from a suspension but he will make a big difference to our pack once he has signed and able to play again,’’ said Kelly. With Jolene Lockwood having resumed training; Paul Hicks recovered from a dislocated elbow and centre Wayne McHugh fit again following a virus, Dewsbury will have a wealth of talent on call over the coming weeks. The only concern for the game with Sheffield rests with Matt Walker, who picked up a back injury against London Scholars. Sheffield hope to have another new signing on board ahead of the game at Dewsbury. Coach Mark Aston is confident of completing a deal that brings winger James Ford from Featherstone on a month’s loan. “I should have things wrapped up before the weekend, which will allow James to be included in the squad,’’ said Aston, who already has Rovers’ promising halfback Jon Pressley, who has scored two tries in two games, on loan. With Lynton Stott set to recover from a knee injury and Andy Rice added to his squad, Aston will have a strong mix of youth and experience on duty. |
|
Sunday 26th June 2005 |
|
THE Lions could well recover their roar after Coach Paul Kidd added four players to his squad for the LHF League Two game with Sheffield. Forwards Kris Smith, Rob Whittaker and Lee Marsh are back in contention, along with fullback Wayne English, but props Wes Rogers and Paul Southern are border-line cases to play. “It’s good to have four players back in contention after missing recent games. Hopefully, that will give us the momentum we need to get back to winning ways,’’ said Kidd The Eagles have Andy Rice, Carl De Chenu and Aled James returning from injury, but rugged prop Chris Molyneux has not recovered from his broken hand. Coach Mark Aston, seeking his fourth win on the trot, will rely on youth yet again as he makes his move to stay in the top six. “Swinton will be smarting off their last two performances, so I expect them to be on fire this weekend,’’ said Aston. |
|
Sunday 3rd July 2005 |
|
|
|
AMATEUR signing Dean Balmer could start at centre for Blackpool against Sheffield. The 20-year-old Leigh Miners player looks set to make his debut as the Panthers seek to score their first double of the season. With Liam Bretherton (dead leg) and Chris Ramsdale (hamstring) virtually ruled out, Blackpool will either name Willie Swann, Liam McGovern or Martin Gambles as their halfback pairing. “We are pretty strong in the halfbacks, so there is no problems there,’’ said team manager Kevin Ashcroft, who has high hopes that Blackpool will beat Sheffield for the second time this season. “I don’t see any reason why we can’t beat them again. It’s down to positive thinking,’’ said Ashcroft. Sheffield will have their latest on-loan signing Tom Buckenham, from Doncaster Dragons, in the front row. Buckenham will take over from Aussie prop Damien Lynch, who suffered a suspected fractured wrist against Swinton. Second rower Craig Brown also finished the game with double vision, which leaves him doubtful for the game. Andy Rice is set to take over from Brown in the pack. Meanwhile, scrum half Peter Moore will miss the next three weeks after teaming up with the Welsh Students squad for the Students World Cup in Brisbane, Australia. |
|
|
|
Friday 8th July - no game - no access to DVS |
|
|
|
|
|
FRIDAY 20th July 2005 |
|
THE Eagles welcome back rugged prop Chris Molyneux, while solid second rower Waisale Sovatabua is set to play his last game for the club against old foes Hunslet. Molyneux returns following a broken hand cause in the clash with Dewsbury, while Sovatabua is returning to Yorkshire rugby union club Otley. But shrewd coach Mark Aston is set to replace Sovatabua with the signing of Papua New Guinea playmaker Tom O’Reilly, who will rejoin Sheffield following his commitments in France in two weeks time. “Fingers crossed, Tom will do a job for us in the back end of the season. It’s a pity he’s not here now because it is always a tough contest with Hunslet, so we need to be well prepared,’’ said Aston, who are clinging onto a top six place. But third-placed Hawks have now lost centre Dave Gibbons, who picked up a three-match ban for ‘raising a forearm’ in the game against Dewsbury. Gibbons, whose brother Anthony sits out the last of his three-match suspension, has also been fined £75. Coach Roy Sampson has therefore drafted in Andy Bastow and centre Paul Cummins, while prop Mick Coyle is set to return from a leg injury. Winger Chris North could also make a late bid for selection. |
|
Sunday 31st July 2005 |
|
WILY prop Richard Mervill and winger Andy Robinson have forced their way into the Keighley side for the clash with Sheffield. Coach Gary Moorby is seeking ‘something different’ from his players following the disappointing defeat by London Skolars and sees Mervill and Robinson as two possible answers. Bright young prospect Lewis Taylor could also claim a place on the bench as replacement prop, if Jason Clegg is unavailable. “Jason’s job prevents him training regularly, so I may just call on Lewis after he was left out against London last week,’’ confirmed Moorby. The Eagles add Simon Morton, Sean Dickenson and Tom Buckenham to their squad as coach Mark Aston seeks to consolidate sixth place in the division. “There will be changes after the disappointment of losing to Hunslet,’’ warned Aston. “Keighley are never an easy team to beat on their own ground and I don’t believe they are a bad side, despite their position in the league. I think a lot of it is a hangover from last season’s failed efforts to stay in Division One,’’ said Aston. |
|
|
|
THE Eagles front row will take on a different shape for the home game with promotion pushers Dewsbury. Props Jack Howieson, Simon Morton and Damian Lynch are all ruled out with broken bones, leaving coach Mark Aston to settle for ‘second best’ in at least one position. “There are still a few options, but I will be at a loss to fill the role left by the injury to skipper Jack Howieson,’’ said Aston, who may well seek to bring in at least one replacement front rower ahead of the game. Chris Molyneux is set to start the game, while Tom Buckenham’s extended on-loan stay could sole another prop problem, but Aston will need some back up on the bench. Dewsbury also have injury problems with seasoned forward Warren Jowitt ruled out with a broken thumb and key halfback Francis Maloney still sidelined with a shoulder injury. Prop Jonlee Lockwood (calf), hooker Richard Chapman (neck), Matt Walker (leg) and James Walker (ankle) are all borderline, but scrum half Ryan Sheridan and centre Kevin Crouthers are expected to overcome their respective ankle and knee complaints. “Our training schedule has been whittled down to a minimum, but that’s the nature of the beast when injuries occur,’’ said coach Andy Kelly, whose Dewsbury side are now three points adrift of league leaders York. |
|
|
|
Sunday 14th August 2005 |
|
TOWN will receive a huge boost by the return of Kiwi prop Taani Lavulavu ahead of their home LHF League Two game with unpredictable Sheffield. The big front row forward is set to return, along with second rower Gareth Dean as Workington seek to leapfrog second-placed Dewsbury. “It will be an interesting game, since Sheffield ran us close the last time we met them,’’ said Workington coach Gerard Stokes. Eagles boss Mark Aston is delighted that his side have virtually sealed their place in the play-offs. “I’m reliably informed that we were the last team to beat Workington up there more than 12 months ago, which makes it even more interesting,’’ said Aston, who has props Damian Lynch and Simon Morton, along with Aled James back in contention for a place in his side. “But they have some very good players and that could make a big difference this time,’’ agreed Aston. |
|
Sunday 21st August 2005 |
|
VASTLY-improved Gateshead could force their way into the LHF League Two play-offs, should they topple Sheffield on Sunday. Coach Dean Thomas pulled off another shock win when his side hammered top-four side Swinton and thus gave Thunder a real chance of extending their season. “This is a must win game for both ourselves and Sheffield and our guys are ready to rise to the challenge. Both the coaching staff and the players have worked hard all week and everyone wants to figure in this game,’’ said Thomas. With Craig Firth and Aussie Aaron Lewis the only doubts that Thomas has to consider, he must feel confident of making a move on the top six. Sheffield have recalled winger Danny Mills from his on-loan spell at LHF League One side Doncaster, while Simon Morton and Aled James could give coach Mark Aston an extra adrenaline charge. “We always like a challenge and the players are confident of completing the double over Gateshead,’’ predicted Aston. |
|
Friday2nd September 2005 |
|
THE Eagles face another ‘difficult task’ in their bid to stake a LHF League Two play-off place, according to coach Mark Aston. “Swinton have always been a bogey side for us, but we have home advantage and that should carry us through,’’ said Aston, who adds the reliable Gavin Brown to his squad and will run fitness checks on Sean Dickinson (finger) and Lynton Stott (thigh) before naming his final 17. “Everyone else came through the Bank Holiday game against Skolars, which is a bonus,’’ said Aston. The Lions look set to retain fourth spot behind Workington Town, Dewsbury and champions York City Knights, but Hunslet are close at hand. “I don’t want any slip-ups at this stage,’’ said Swinton coach Paul Kidd, who has ruled out prop Paul Southern and has winger Marlon Billy rated at 50-50 to play. Halfback Mick Coates and Kris Smith have both been declared fit, which gives Kidd the opportunity to switch things around, while centre Alex Muff has two chances to stake his claim in the play-offs. “Alex is with us at least until the play-offs, and then we will take things from there,’’ said Kidd, who snapped ex-Doncaster and Barrow centre Muff up when Batley released him prior to the deadline. |
|
Friday 9th September 2005 |
|
UTILITY back Lynton Stott is coach Mark Aston’s only casualty and he could miss the vital home game with LHF League Two champions York. With Sean, Alex and Ryan Dickinson all added to Aston’s squad, the Eagles will have their best players on view for the make or break game. “It’s all or nothing against a quality side that has won outright promotion. That’s what the players face and they have been told to turn up for the party,’’ said an upbeat Aston, who could still stake a claim in the play-offs. “We have to beat York to stand a chance and then see if Hunslet can halt Gateshead. But it’s down to the players now to give their best,’’ conceded Aston. With York taking an upward step next season, they may well ease off the accelerator for their final game. Centre Dan Potter has already been ruled out with a torn bicep muscle, while Neil Law is doubtful with a head wound. So coach Michael Cook adds ex-Eagle Scott Rhodes and Jon Liddell to his squad and will push Chris Ross into the vacancy left by the injury to Potter and bring Lee Lingard onto the wing. “I was disappointed at losing to Workington and expect the players to respond with a better performance at Sheffield,’’ said Cook. |
