Sheffield Eagles beat Batley Bulldogs to progress in the play-off eliminators
Sheffield Eagles fought back to beat Batley Bulldogs
Sheffield Eagles have advanced to the next stage of the Betfred Championship playoff eliminator following an impressive 25-18 comeback victory against Batley Bulldogs yesterday afternoon at the MEPS Home of Football Stadium.
For this fixture, Billy Walkley made his return to the wing, while Lennie Ellis returned in the halves, and Kai Morgan shifted to fullback to replace Greg Eden. Additionally, Josh Hodson returned to the prop position in place of Connor Bower.
The opening minutes of the game featured back-and-forth sets from both sides, with both teams exchanging possession up and down the pitch until Batley opened the scoring. Ollie Greensmith received a kick from Ben Reynolds and grounded the ball over the line.
The Eagles quickly responded with a rapid effort from Joe Brown, who crossed the try line out wide for the hosts.
The match then settled into a pattern of trading sets, with both teams making close attempts but failing to score. Eventually, the Bulldogs regained the lead with a powerful run from Mitch Beedle in the 29th minute, giving them a 6-point advantage going into half-time.
The second half began with Batley increasing their lead further as Ben White crossed the try line. However, the Eagles responded swiftly; within six minutes, George Griffin fought his way over for a try, bringing the game back within reach.
Shortly after, the Eagles regained momentum when quick passing out wide allowed Billy Walkley to cross into the end zone.
Batley managed to add another two points from a penalty near the Eagles' line, maintaining their lead.
As the match approached the final 15 minutes, an overpowering try from Kieran Gill levelled the score. Shortly thereafter, a second try from Joe Brown pushed the Eagles ahead.
To secure the victory, Jordan Abdull capped off the match with a drop goal, solidifying the Eagles' win and their progression into the next stage of the playoff eliminators.
Next weekend, the Eagles will travel to Cumbria to face the Barrow Raiders in round two of the Betfred Championship Eliminator final.
Sheffield Eagles: Morgan, Brown, Oakes, Gill, Walkley, Ellis, Abdull, Matongo, Johnson, Reilly, Hodson, Bussey, Griffin
Interchanges (all used): Butterworth, Broadbent, Bowes, Peachey
18th Man: Billy
Tries: Brown (11’), Griffin (49’), Walkley (53’), Gill (66’), Brown (71’)
Goals: Abdull (0/2), Ellis (0/1), Morgan (2/2)
Drop-goals: Abdull (1/1)
Batley Bulldogs: Butterworth, Burton, Olpherts, Greensmith, Hudson, Reynolds, Beedle, Kirk, Parsons, Stevens, Manning, Flynn, Hodgson
Interchanges (all used): Leak, Dixon, Walshaw, White
18th Man: Ellis
Tries: Greensmith (8’), Beedle (29’), White (43’)
Goals: Reynolds (2/3)
Penalties: Reynolds (1/1)