Sheffield Eagles: Oliver Davies fighting back after tough year

2018 was a largely forgettable year for Oliver Davies, who was constantly on the periphery of director of rugby Mark Aston’s plans, despite his side’s Championship struggles.

With an influx of new signings during the close season, many would have feared for the former St Helens ace, but Davies has taken up the challenge, impressing Aston and his staff during pre-season.

He impressed sufficiently to make the starting 13 last Sunday, and his barnstorming display was one of many stand-out performances on a positive day for the club.

Aston was quick to fire praise in Davies’ direction, admitting his attitude to pre-season has been first class.

“I must single him out,” Aston told The Star.

“He had a tough year last year but I thought he was outstanding, and that comes off the back of an outstanding pre-season. He got an award for the best individual pre-season performer and he has turned that into a display during the game. I am delighted for him.”

Davies bagged the opening try of the game, before breaking the Swinton line on countless occasions as the Eagles put their opponents to the sword.

Linking up with debutant Anthony Thackeray, who helped himself to four tries, the duo were a constant thorn in the side of the Lions, who could not hold back the Eagles’ tide.

Aston continued:

“When you have someone on your inside as good as Anthony Thackeray, who has put his nose right into the coal face, you are going to get the rewards. That's what he has got.”

Meanwhile, Swinton’s ex-Eagle Will Hope, who was carried off on a stretcher after just 25 seconds at the OLP with a serious ankle and leg injury, has revealed his frustration with his post-game wait for an ambulance.

Hope was forced to wait on a stretcher for three hours without an ambulance arriving, and in the end was taken back to Salford Royal Hospital on the team coach.

In a post on twitter he called on the RFL to improve support, and went on to thank both Swinton and Sheffield for their assistance.