Back to basics for Sheffield Eagles

The Eagles’ director was left in a position that has become all too familiar during this season’s Championship. A fortnight ago Aston watched his side go through the gears in the second half against Dewsbury Rams as they snatched a last gasp victory. Any hope of that being the turning point of their season was promptly quashed last weekend when Eagles succumbed to a home defeat against rock bottom Workington Town.

“It was the same old story” said Aston. “We started the game strongly and completed our first five sets and kicked well, but then we went away from those things. We made mistakes and gave penalties away. We were not competing for balls and teams will punish you.”

Aston has long been calling for his side to return to mastering the basics in. After a solid start his side reverted to type, as Workington recorded only their second victory of the campaign.

Aston now moves into territory that he hasn’t experienced for some time with his side now set for a season outside the top four places.

Whilst a run to the Championship’s business end is not out of the question, the Eagles will have to show some consistency - something that has been missing from their game throughout the 2016 campaign.

Aston insists that his team need to maintain the belief that they can turn their season around.

“We did not deliver and it was another frustrating day at the office,” he added.

“It has been a long time since we’ve been in this place we are now, but we have got to keep working hard and keep believing. We need to do a bit of soul-searching and the boys have got to take it on the chin.

“The problem is more individually than collectively, and there are a few individuals that have cost us a couple of tries each and when this happens it smacks you in the face, and this is what happened to us against Workington.”