Sheffield Eagles: 'Sluggish' start was key for Eagles against York, says boss Mark Aston

Sheffield Eagles director of rugby Mark Aston says a sluggish opening to the second-half proved to the difference after his side suffered a narrow home defeat against fellow play-off chasers York.
Mark Aston with Eagles first team coach Keith SeniorMark Aston with Eagles first team coach Keith Senior
Mark Aston with Eagles first team coach Keith Senior

After both sides were locked at half-time at six points each, York’s start to the second stanza pulled them clear which proved to be a deficit which was a step too far for Aston’s side.

Aston told The Star: “I am disappointed because it was the start of the second-half which undid us. I thought the first 40 minutes, we were really tough and dogged. We went right until the whistle with a try at the end of the half. We started the second-half, and we were a little soft, and they got away from us.”

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It is the second week in succession where the Eagles have shown up well against top five rivals, but have fallen just short in their quest to gate-crash the Championship's elite positions.

Aston though couldn’t criticise his side, who after running Leigh right until the final hooter, also went toe-to-toe with a York side who have now opened up a six point gap to Aston’s side.

He added: “It was certainly two good teams going at it - certainly in the first-half. We scored right at the end of the half, and before that there was nothing in it for 30 minutes. I can't knock the boys for their efforts and their commitment. Their desire was there, we just didn't quite have enough.”​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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