Match Report | Sheffield Eagles 30-21 Widnes Vikings

Sheffield Eagles produced a second-half comeback on Sunday afternoon to secure a 30-21 win against Widnes Vikings in the Betfred Championship.

It was the visitors who led at the break after two converted tries, as well as a penalty and a drop goal from Tom Gilmore, despite Kris Welham scoring for the Eagles in the opening forty.

But the Eagles had to fight back in the second half and four tries were enough to seal two valuable points to keep us second in the league table.

Mark Aston has named a similar side to the one that beat Featherstone Rovers last time out, with the only change being Matty Marsh, who returns from suspension in place of winger Ryan Millar.

Widnes came into this game looking to get back to winning ways after last weekend’s defeat at home to Wakefield Trinity.

It was the visitors who struck first in the contest as they crossed for the first score of the game inside nine minutes. A botched kick on the last tackle saw Max Roberts touch down for the game’s opening score, which was converted by Gilmore.

Widnes Vikings then extended their lead when Oliver Brooks and Jack Owens linked up down the left allowing the latter to finish from close range on the left touchline.

Gilmore’s conversion put Widnes two scores ahead but the Eagles reduced that gap as Jack Hansen’s short ball played Welham for a safety under the sticks to drag us back into the contest.

The visitors later scored and kicked a goal through Gilmore to extend the visitors’ lead, ensuring they headed into the sheds 6-15 ahead at the break.

Another penalty from Gilmore extended Widnes’ lead to 6-17 at the start of the second half but the Eagles went ahead before the hour, tries from Connor Bower and James Glover showing a spirited comeback from Sheffield.

But once we went ahead it only took a few minutes for Widnes to pull back in front as Gilmore’s shot fell into the hands of their full-back before the ball was played back inside to Roberts who touched down. Gilmore failed to add to the extra with the touchline conversion.

At 18-21, Widnes let their lead slip away as we scored twice in the last nine minutes to secure yet another victory.

Vila Halafihi first darted for the line from false-half on the last tackle before Marsh’s big break was ended by Welham after the center saw quick ball play from the tackle.

The Eagles remain second in the Betfred Championship and face a tough trip to the LNER Community Stadium next weekend to take on in-form York Knights (3pm).

Sheffield Eagles: Marsh, Jones-Bishop, Welham, Glover, Dawson-Jones, Aston, Hansen, Battye, Halafihi, Clark, Foster, Sene-Lefao, Hodgson

Subs: Bower, J.Farrell, Gwaze, Wood

18^th Male: Liu

Tries: Welham (26′ 78′), Bower (46′), Glover (61′), Halafihi (71′)

Conversions: Aston (5/5)

Widnes Vikings: Owens, Butt, Roberts, Fleming, Brookes, Lyons, Gilmore, Kirk, Johnstone, Murray, Lloyd, Wilde, Brogan

Subs: Fozard, Brooks, Langtree, Walker

18^th Man: Bent

Tries: Roberts (9′, 66′), Owens (17′)

Conversions: Gilmore (4/5)

Drop Goals: Gilmore (40′)

Referee: M. Griffiths

Attendance: 1,003