Joe Wink-Simmonds stars as Sheffield Eagles come out on top against Edinburgh Giants
Sheffield Eagles beat Edinburgh Giants 70-38 in the Betfred Wheelchair Super League
Joe Wink-Simmonds was the standout performer for Sheffield Eagles’ Wheelchair team at the weekend, scoring five tries as they produced a remarkable second-half comeback, to beat Edinburgh Giants 70-38 in the Betfred Wheelchair Super League.
Despite finishing strongly, Sheffield made life difficult for themselves early on in the Scottish capital. They raced into a 16-4 lead inside the opening 15 minutes through Chris Haynes’ early try and a quick brace from Wink-Simmonds.
However, momentum swung firmly in the home side’s favour before half-time.
Edinburgh responded with a relentless 25-minute spell, scoring five tries without reply. That surge turned the game on its head, with the Eagles suddenly finding themselves 32-16 down at the break after what had initially looked like a dominant start.
Whatever was said at half-time clearly had the desired effect. Sheffield came out with renewed intensity and immediately cut into the deficit, with Luis Domingos striking twice in quick succession. Haynes then grabbed his second of the match, before Wink-Simmonds completed his hat-trick to put the Eagles briefly ahead, before the hosts responded to level the score.
From that moment, the Eagles took full control. Wink-Simmonds added his fourth try of the afternoon and also added a penalty conversion, while Stephen Reilly and Sid Ramsey both crossed to extend the lead as Sheffield’s attacking structure and pace began to tire out the Giants.
In the closing stages, Wink-Simmonds put the finishing touch on a dominant second-half display, scoring his fifth try of the match and adding another penalty. Domingos also completed his hat-trick, capping off a powerful attacking performance from Greg Brown’s side.
A total of 12 second-half tries saw a stunning turnaround for the Eagles, who secured their third league win of the season in emphatic fashion.
They now return to action this Sunday when they host second-placed Leeds Rhinos at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre (11:45am kick-off), with supporters able to attend free of charge.