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Never-say-die Eagles snatch last-gasp draw
EAGLES snatched a draw at Featherstone with a last-minute try. The timekeeper was reaching for the hooter as two penalties gave the Eagles vital possession in front of Rovers' posts.
A first attempt to drive over was held but hooker Craig Cook clawed his way over the line. Fullback Jonny Woodcock put over the goal to level.
"We're dogged, we were like that last year and we've brought it into the new season," said Mark Aston. "I'm highly delighted with the performance, lots of positives and commitment. We were under a lot of pressure but we just wouldn't give in - that's an attitude you can't buy."
Twice Eagles came back, first after going two tries down, to lead 12-8 at half-time and then to overcome being down to 12 men to claim the two points in the opening Northern Rail Cup group B game.
Rovers' coach and former Eagles' legend Daryl Powell targeted the debut pairing of centre Jason Mossop and winger Tim Bergin and it paid early dividends as centre Liam Welham scored the opening try after only six minutes.
Snappy moves by the home pack tested the Eagles and winger Jon Steel's try doubled Rovers' lead. Forwards Jack Howieson, Ged Corcoran and Alex Szostak battled away, with half-back Brendon Lindsay making good use of the ball as Rovers' momentum slowed.
Cook from acting half-back passed out to prop Mitch Stringer who barged over under the posts to back a try.
Aaron Groom and Alex Rowe came off the bench and when the Fijian's chip kick bounced off Stuart Dickens' boot prop Rowe took the ball one handed for a try between the posts. Woodcock added both conversions and the Eagles were ahead.
The opening 20 minutes after the break were a repeat of the first half as Rovers dominated possession and Welham completed a hat-trick of tries, but with Kyle Briggs only landing one conversion the lead was a narrow 18-12.
Eagles' second rower Sam Barlow was sent to the sin bin for dissent, but their forwards dominated possession. Szostak produced a 30-metre power break, and Stringer was held up as he struggled to get the ball down for a try. With Barlow back and Rovers giving away penalties, Cook grabbed a try to share the points.
Featherstone: Ian Hardman; Jon Steel, Liam Welham, Sam Smeaton, Tommy Saxton; Kyle Briggs, Andy Kain; Ian Morrison, Liam Finn, Stuart Dickens, Jon Grayshon, Matty Dale, Jamie Field. Subs: Tim Spears, Ross Divorty, Tony Tonks, Jack Lee.
Tries: Welham 3 (6, 43,46) Steel (11). Goals: Briggs one from four.
Eagles: Jonny Woodcock, Ashley Thackeray, Tangi Ropati, Jason Mossop, Tim Bergin; Brendon Lindsay, Dane McDonald; Jack Howieson, Craig Cook, Mitch Stringer, Alex Szostak, Ged Corcoran, Trevor Exton. Subs: Aaron Groom, Sam Barlow, Michael Haley, Alex Rowe.
Tries: Stringer (18), Rowe (30), Cook (79). Goals: Woodcock 3/4 Sin Bin: Barlow (Eagles 58) dissent; On report: Stringer, high tackle.
Referee: Ronnie Laughton (Barnsley)
Penalties: Rovers 10 Eagles 13.
Attendance: 1,175.
Man-of-the-match: Alex Rowe.
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Friday 10 February 2012
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