2008 - Not Ready for Super League Yet

As part of that forward planning, the Board authorised the sale of 50,000 shares in September 2007 to increase the club’s share capital to £200k to enable the injection of further finance into the club. The aim for the season was to improve on the sixth position secured in 2007.

Whilst maintaining the bulk of the relatively successful 2007 squad, there were several leavers. Jon Presley signed for Keighley, whilst Damian Reid went to newly promoted Salford. Caldon Bravo, John Crawford and Brad Hepi changed codes, with Simon Morton being forced by injury to retire. The remainder, Jon Aston, Zac Hill, Dale Holdstock and Neil Law were released.

New signings included three from the Academy – Eddie Battye, Mike Roby, and Dan Hawksworth in the latter half of the season, as well as:

• Dane McDonald (Burleigh Bears)
• Alex Szostack (Villeneuve)
• Kyle Bibb (Wakefield Loan)
• Michael Whittaker (Rochdale)
• Michael Hill (Canberra Raiders)
• Alex Rowe (Doncaster)

There were rumoured links with the signing of two other Fijian Players, but as the club were unable to get RFL support to break through the red tape. The club argued that like Celtic Crusaders, who had been given dispensation to field 8 overseas players in their squad, they were a development status club, but the RFL were not prepared to accept that position.

Gavin Brown resigned his role as Community Development Officer as he was taking over his father’s business interests. His place was filled by a returning Dean Thomas. Brown also struggled with his match fitness and did not play a game during the season. Alex Rowe was charged with a criminal attack and was banned from training in South Yorkshire as part of his bail conditions until such time as his case was heard in court.

With no friendly games before the Cup groups started their opening matches, the Eagles were going to be a bit ring rusty at the start of the competition. Sheffield had been placed in a group that included Celtic Crusaders, Doncaster, and London Skolars, none of these clubs having a large away following.

On a cold and chilly night, reminiscent of pre-Summer Rugby, Sheffield played Celtic Crusaders on Friday 1st February in front of only 773 spectators. Mark Aston gave debuts to Mike Roby, Mick Hill, and Dane McDonald. The Eagles looked like a side that hadn't played since September, making a sluggish start for which they paid the price. Celtic dominated the early possession with their half backs moving the ball out with speed and were 8-0 up before the home side could respond. With stand-off Brendon Lindsay getting some organisation into their play, forwards Tom Buckenham and Craig Brown were solid, and Tommy Trayler starting to look a threat running off Lindsay's short passes. The reward came after a period of pressure with loose-forward Adam Hayes producing the break and final pass for Roby to touchdown. But Celtic hit back on the stroke of half-time with a touchdown making it 12-4 to the visitors.

Soon after the restart Grant Edwards gave the Eagles a boost forcing his way across the line from dummy half. Sheffield kept up the pressure with Lindsay at the centre of the action. They drew level when Celtic fumbled near their line and winger Danny Mills collected the ball and touched down. But a knock on by Edwards at the other end led to the Crusaders restoring their lead. Mills almost put the home side back level but was judged to have knocked on in a scramble near the corner flag. In the dying seconds Celtic secured a final try and on a difficult night for kickers, finally put the ball between the sticks to add the two points. Losing 12-22, the Eagles were left wondering what might have been with only the consolation of a single bonus point.

The following Friday Sheffield played their 250th game since reformation at derby-rivals Doncaster. With the home side dominating the opening play, the introduction of loan signing Kyle Bibb, and Ryan Hepworth, helped boost Eagles' pack power. The Eagles broke the deadlock on 28 minutes when full-back Jonny Woodcock raced on to a short ball by Craig Cook 15 metres out and breaking a tackle just short of the line and ran nearer to the posts to give himself an easier conversion. It then needed a try-saving tackle by Lindsay to deny Dons on the half-hour. Sheffield doubled their lead with a disputed try on 36 minutes. Centre Richard Newlove intercepted a long pass by Doncaster who then raced clear only to be overhauled by the Dons cover. The cover lost the ball over the line, but it rolled back for winger Danny Mills to touch down for a second converted try to earn Eagles a flattering 12-0 lead.

The Dons were reduced to 12 men on 38 minutes with a sinbinning. Woodcock's penalty came back off the posts, but Eagles stayed on the attack and Lindsay went over from acting half-back in the corner after Trayler had been held just short following a strong burst. Woodcock failed to add the touchline conversion. 16-0 the Eagles.

The second half was mainly scrappy littered with handling errors, particularly by Doncaster who threw caution to the wind at time in their efforts to get back into contention. The Eagles had the chance to kill the game off on 53 minutes, but Worrincy, who would have backed himself to score had he taken the ball, put down McDonald's pass 35 metres out. A last minute converted try by the home side secured them a bonus point and second spot in the table, as the Eagles 166 victory brought them the 3 match points for a victory.

Sheffield’s next fixture involved a long trip to Bridgend to play the return game against Celtic Crusaders. The full-time side sealed the match in the first half going 20 points up in as many minutes and the result was never in doubt after that. The Eagles were six points down after only three minutes. By half time it was 26-0 and soon into the second 30-0. The visitors finally got on the board in the 48th minute after Mitch Stringer went in under the posts and Jonny Woodcock easily kicked the conversion. There was a glimpse of hope when Rob Worrincy added another in the corner from the first set after the kick-off to bring the score back to 30-10. But Crusaders restored the balance on the hour with a try before Worrincy went over for his second to cap a creditable second half display, but it wasn't enough even to earn the Eagles a bonus point.

Six days later Sheffield were at home to London Skolars. The crowd of only 669 saw a game to forget as the visitors gained their first win in the Northern Rail Cup and their first ever victory at Don Valley. For the Eagles the only positive in Mark Aston book was Yusuf Sozi’s first game for the club after 18 months battling back from a broken leg. The Eagles were outplayed in just about every department by the London side. They did come back from early tries to take the lead late in the first half but in the second they were rarely in the game as the Second Division side cruised to a win. Sheffield were given an early warning of what was to come as poor defence allowed the Skolars their first try. Soon it was 12-0 to the visitors.

The home side hit back with fullback Jonny Woodcock setting up prop Mitch Stringer for a try and they kept up the pressure with substitute Kyle Bibb, with only his first touch of the ball, powering in for the second try. London edged ahead with a further try in the corner but again the Eagles hit back with second rower Nick Turnbull producing a 25-metre burst for a try. Woodcock added the goal to level the scores. Winger Danny Mills squeezed in at the corner to put the Eagles in the lead with Woodcock adding another goal. That only lasted minutes as London powered in on the stroke of half-time. the sides went in level at 22-22. London swept into the lead with two quick tries after the restart. The Eagles came back with a try by Brendon Lindsay, one of the players who never stopped battling, converted by Woodcock but it was a brief respite. London blasted ahead with further tries that brought up 50 points for London. It was long over as a contest when centre Mike Roby scored a try three minutes from time for the Eagles.

At the beginning of March, the Eagles were again at home against Doncaster. Brendon Lindsay produced a masterclass that gave Sheffield a double over Doncaster, retaining the South Yorkshire Cup as a bonus. The home side were strong in defence and going forward Lindsay dominated with his passing and kicking game. Second row Craig Brown celebrated his 150th game for the Eagles with the opening try on four minutes, when he dropped on a chip kick from Lindsay, as the Dons' defence dithered. Fullback Jonny Woodcock added the extras. Winger Danny Mills was also to cause problems with his runs out of defence. Sheffield’s second try came with Tommy Trayler, putting in the final key burst on the left, before passing to Woodcock who went in near the corner and added the goal.

The Dons got some reward with a converted try under the posts, but a long pass from Lindsay set up a try for centre Mike Roby, who twisted out of a tackle to crash over the line. Woodcock hit the upright with his conversion attempt. With Doncaster scoring on the hooter, the teams went in with the Eagles ahead,1610. Doncaster made little impression after the restart and errors were starting to creep into their game. A sinbinning led to a penalty that took the home side further ahead. Midway through the half Sheffield again surged ahead, when Lindsay's long pass missed out two players and Mills crashed in at the corner. This time Woodcock's kick hit the upright but dropped over for the extras. Next Lindsay picked up a loose ball and sent play over to the Eagles' right where Grant Edwards and Brown sent in Roby for his second try. Although the visitors managed a consolation score, the Eagles had the final say with Edwards scoring in the last minute, and Woodcock kicking his sixth goal. 

Before the final group game of the Northern Rail Cup, the Eagles had an away Third round Challenge Cup tie against Lezignan Leopards in front of a crowd of 379. It was the first time that Sheffield had faced French opposition since the rebirth. Sheffield led mid-way through the first half 16-0. Brendon Lindsay and Craig Cook had set up the opening try for second row Tommy Trayler with Jonny Woodcock adding the goal. It was followed by a touchdown by winger Greg Hurst and Lindsay grabbed the third try from dummy half with Woodcock adding the two points. Four minutes from the break Lezignan hit back with a converted try and then added to that with two quick, but disputed, tries. The first from an outrageous forward pass and the second a doubtful touchdown. However there was no video referee to judge the scores. A converted second try for Lindsay from a Dominic Brambani chip restored the Eagles' lead. But that only lasted minutes as Lezignan hit back with a try followed by a drop goal. A further try from them made the game safe and two minutes from time Leopards wrapped up the game. Sheffield were out of the Challenge Cup, 22-37. Ged Corcoran also went off with a concussion, whilst Craig Cook went off after being kicked in the mouth, neither action according to the referee warranted disciplinary action on the field but were left to go on report.

The final group game was at London Skolars in mid-March. Aston took no chances with players carrying even a minor injury. That saw a start for Dane McDonald at stand-off and a bench packed with forwards. Aston used that power to good effect with a series of substitutions that kept the pressure on the Skolars. Prop Mitch Stringer was in the starting line-up and produced a dominant performance. For a player whose main role was to make the hard yards he gained the bonus of two tries, matching his total for the 2007 season. Scrum-half Dominic Brambani was a bundle of energy and positive play and Ged Corcoran put in solid spells.

Skolars took the lead when a high kick took a wicked bounce behind the posts and London were first to touch it down. The Eagles, helped by a series of penalties, then dominated the possession and hit back with Alex Rowe scoring his first try for the club from hooker Grant Edwards’ pass out of the tackle. Jonny Woodcock added the extras. Mick Hill and McDonald set up the second for loose forward Adam Hayes for a 10-6 lead at half-time.

Two penalties put the Skolars level soon after the restart, but Eagles regained the lead with a converted try from Stringer and a penalty by Woodcock. A try edged the Skolars closer but the Stringer’s second try from Brambani’s pass ended any fight back and tries from centre Mike Roby and winger Danny Mills closed out the game. Woodcock ended with five goals. Mark Aston was pleased with the effort and application that had gone in to get the result, a 34-14 win, as well as the club’s progression to the knockout stage of the competition.

That match took place at the start of April, with the Eagles travelling to Widnes Vikings. Widnes got off to a flyer. scoring on three minutes. Four minutes later more smart hands, led to a further 6 points. Sheffield came back well and had a good spell of possession without initially looking threatening, but when Matt Whitaker and then Jack Howieson were held up over the line their menace seemed to increase but the visitors remained scoreless at the break. But immediately after the break another converted try and then a penalty gave Widnes the lead by 20 points. That was extended on 48 minutes to 24 Three minutes later another penalty for the Vikings after Whitaker was sin binned for two unnecessarily rough tackles. The Widnes ascendancy continued as they accumulated two more tries and a conversion.

The Eagles finally got over on 64 minutes following a high tackle on Alex Rowe by a Widnes player that saw him sin-binned and the visitors got the ball right after for Mike Roby to score. Danny Mills then crossed on 67 minutes, Brambani failed to convert either, but Widnes continued with a penalty and a converted try to wrap it all up. The defeat, 8-48 saw the Eagles out of the Cup for yet another season.

Prior to the kick off of the new season the long-awaited league arrangements, starting in 2009, were confirmed. Super League was to be expanded to 14 clubs with no promotion and relegation for three years. From 2012 there will be an opportunity for clubs outside that division to bid for a place in Super League. But that was to be restricted to clubs that had won the Division One Grand Final in any of the previous three years. However for any bidder to succeed they would also have to meet or surpass financial and other criteria.

There were two new promoted clubs, Featherstone and Celtic Crusaders who had replaced Doncaster and Rochdale, whilst relegated Salford had replaced promoted Castleford. Celtic Crusaders had been given dispensation due to their “development status” to operate with 8 overseas players and were able to operate with a full-time squad. Other clubs argued that they should get the same dispensation but were refused. It was quite clear that the Crusaders would be successful in securing a Super League licence, even though this was their first year in Division One and irrespective of where they finished in the league table.

Widnes Vikings had been deducted 9 points for going into administration during the 2007 season.

The Eagles first fixture of the new season was a trip to Halifax. Sheffield were blown away by three touchdowns in the first ten minutes. Halifax were helped by some poor defending that left the Eagles always chasing the game. The visitors desperately needed a score, but they met a strong home defence before Alex Rowe came on made an instant impact, going in from acting half-back to force his way over the try line and Jonny Woodcock added the two.

But Fax regained the initiative with a further converted touchdown. A high cross-field kick by scrum-half Dominic Brambani was collected by winger Danny Mills who crashed over near the corner flag. On half-time Halifax again opened up the Eagles' defence with yet another try to establish a 30-10 lead. The second half was no better as Halifax scored another 10. A string of penalties gave the Eagles possession and prop Mitch Stringer crashed over under the posts with Woodcock adding the goal. But Halifax continued to score at will ending up as victors, 52-28.

Sheffield’s first home tie saw the return of Celtic Crusaders to Don Valley at the end of March. Crusaders penned the Eagles in their 20-metre zone for long periods, particularly in the second half, but found there was no way through. At the other end it was a different story as the Eagles' hit swiftly and with power when given an opening. Sheffield struck after seven minutes with stand-off Brendon Lindsay and centre James Ford sending Mills powering down the touchline for his eighth try of the season. Scrum-half Dominic Brambani produced a string of precise kicks to touch to switch play. The Eagles second try came from Lindsay's short pass for prop Jack Howieson to blast across the line near the posts with fullback Jonny Woodcock adding the extras. Crusaders hit back with a converted touchdown, but Sheffield rode that setback, steadied, and replied with Mitch Stringer twisting out of three tacklers to force the ball down, his fifth try in three games. Woodcock added the goal for a 16-6 lead at halftime.

The second half was marked by almost constant Crusaders' pressure met by gritty Eagles' defending that saw Welsh players held up over the try line and forced into crucial errors. Celtic had a player sent to the sin bin for talking back and Woodcock extended the home side's lead with a further penalty that had been awarded for holding down. Craig Cook sealed the game with a try on 72 minutes, almost doing a jig as he swept across the try line from Lindsay's pass. Woodcock added the conversion and a minute from time Brambani kicked a drop goal. Whilst Celtic dominated possession it was Sheffield who gave them a lesson in taking chances. The win 25-6 had them 4th in the table.

Next, a trip to Featherstone Rovers in front of Sky TV. Sheffield went behind before they had even touched the ball when Rob Worrincy was out jumped for a cross-field high kick that resulted in a Rovers try. A penalty in front of the posts put them even further behind. The pressure on Eagles increased when Alex Rowe was sin-binned for holding down in the tackle. The home side attempted to make the extra man pay, but half-backs Brendon Lindsay and Dominic Brambani were keeping the Eagles moving and Jonny Woodcock was dangerous coming into the line. Lindsay provided the pass for loose forward Adam Hayes to crash over for a try that put the Eagles back in the game with Woodcock levelling the scores. Woodcock added a penalty after a Rovers' player talked back to the referee and Brambani kicked a drop goal on the stroke of half-time for a 9-6 lead.

From the restart the Eagles took control with Brambani producing a 40-metre kick which was fumbled near the touchline for Worrincy to race onto to touch down under the posts. Woodcock added the goal. Later, helped by a couple of penalties the Eagles advanced up the field and Brambani provided a short pass for Ged Corcoran to dive over. Woodcock produced a great kick from the touchline to add the goal. Then Brambani's jinking run provided the opening for Worrincy to touch down for his second. Rovers forced two tries in the final 10 minutes, but they were too little too late. Sheffield were victorious, 25-16 and now 3rd in the League table.

Leigh Centurions arrived at Don Valley in Mid-April. The Eagles had come back from being 10-0 down in the first half, through two tries and a conversion. They needed a score and Mark Aston went for shock tactics with a triple substitution bringing on Matt Whitaker, Ged Corcoran, and Mitchell Stringer.

Then Leigh lost a player to the sinbin for knocking the ball out of Craig Cook's hands as he tried for a quick restart. The Eagles took advantage with Brendan Lindsay and James Ford providing the opening for winger Danny Mills to crash over near the corner flag. Then Lindsay's long pass found Matt Whitaker who provided a short, flat pass for centre Ford to run on and score the try. Woodcock added the goal to level the scores.

Three minutes from the break Woodcock kicked a penalty from 38 metres to edge the Eagles 12-10 ahead. It was all set up for Sheffield to kick on, but Leigh spoilt the party with three tries starting on 45 minutes with a touchdown. A disastrous six minutes saw the home side 12-24 behind, but all they could muster in reply was a consolation effort from Craig Cook who dived over after taking a tap penalty in front of the posts with two minutes to go. Woodcock added the extras, and the bonus point was safe. The result 18-24.

Winning ways resumed at Batley Bulldogs. Richard Newlove and Paul Pickering both returned after long injury lay-offs. Second-row forward Matthew Whitaker produced a big 80 minutes and prop Jack Howieson put in good runs and some tasty off-load passes. If Batley's plan had been to target Rob Worrincy it backfired with the winger producing battling runs that took him through tackle after tackle.

The Eagles opened the scoring when Craig Cook burrowed his way over under the posts after scrum-half Dominic Brambani had been held short of the line. Jonny Woodcock added the goal. But Sheffield had to wait until the final ten minutes of the half before they scored again when Lindsay's pass sent Tom Buckenham crashing over. Woodcock added the two and a penalty before Newlove sent in Pickering who twisted his way over the line. Woodcock hit a post with his conversion. James Ford scored the Eagles' fourth try with

Woodcock adding the extras. Batley hit back with two consolation efforts, . but the visitor’s defence had done its job a 24-16 victory and the retention of 3rd spot.

Jack Howieson was named in the April Rugby League Team of the Month.

May’s opening game was a home fixture with league leaders Salford City Reds The game was played on the tenth anniversary of the Eagles Challenge Cup win. In front of a crowd 1,058, the Eagles came within 15 seconds of taking Salford's unbeaten record. Wearing a special blue and white replica kit to mark the 10th anniversary of their Challenge Cup win, the home side took the lead after three minutes when Mitch Stringer ran on to a short pass and crashed over under the posts for the try. Jonny Woodcock added the conversion.

Salford were soon on the score sheet and went ahead, but Sheffield came battling back with Matthew Whitaker and James Ford making the break for stand-off Brendon Lindsay to touchdown under the posts. Woodcock added the goal. The Eagles were on a roll and Lindsay turned provider, putting out a long pass for second row Ged Corcoran to take and dive over. Woodcock made it an 18-10 lead at half-time.

Sheffield then had to soak up pressure but broke away with Ford providing the inside pass for Lindsay to juggle the ball before touching down for his second try. Woodcock kicked his fourth goal. Salford hit back with a try and conversion. From then on, it was all Salford but somehow Eagles' defence, with Woodcock outstanding, held out until the dying minutes. Salford struck with a try three minutes from time and on 80 minutes they grabbed the try that levelled the scores. The conversion kick was wide, and justice was done, 18-18. Mark Aston was well pleased with the team’s attitude and commitment.

On the Saturday before the game, the Eagles organised a celebration dinner to commemorate the 1998 Challenge Cup victory at Wembley Stadium. It raised a large amount of money to help the club expand its development activities.

May saw the signing of former Bradford Academy star Alex Szostak from French side Villeneuve Leopards and were also favourites to resign former centre Damien Reid once he was released from prison.

Off the field the Board announced that they were to develop a three-year development plan that would take the club forward towards their long term aim of getting back into Super League. Part of that plan was a new funding initiative, Squad Builder. For a monthly fee supporters would have access to discounts as well as the opportunity to win cash amounts.

A trip to Widnes Vikings followed. The home side were soon ahead 4-0, but the Eagles came back into it without threatening and the next time Widnes got into an attacking position, on 19 minutes, the visitors were punished again. Sheffield came back seven minutes later with a good break on the right, that left Widnes floundering in defence on the other side of the pitch and Alex Szostak reached out to score on his debut. Jonny Woodcock converted. The Vikings regained their territorial advantage immediately and forced their way over for a converted effort. Yet the Eagles came back gain as Alex Rowe and Worrincy traded stolen balls with Widnes's back three and the visitors had enough momentum for Mick Hill to force his way over. Woodcock goaled and a 16-12 lead for Widnes at half-time was a bonus for the Eagles.

Widnes chose to kick a penalty in the second half to make the lead six but an excellent piece of centre play from James Ford gave Danny Mills a walk in on 47 minutes. Woodcock missed the goal and Widnes came right back when Eagles failed to handle the restart crashed over for another converted score. A period of tense play ensued, and it took 17 minutes for one side to score. Widnes secured another try and conversion. But the try of the match came in the last minute when Rowe picked up a loose ball, made good ground to the halfway line and Woodcock raced in to score. His goal gave credibility to the scoreline, 22-30. And another bonus point.

Halifax were the opponents in the final game in May at Don Valley. Looking for revenge for the drubbing they received at the start of the season, the crowd of 1.235 witnessed an unstoppable mix of raw power and spectacular breakaway moves that saw Sheffield completely outplay Halifax. They were treated to seven tries and a storming performance that left the visitor’s hope of returning to the top of the table in tatters.

The Eagles first win over Halifax since their return to the First Division was built on a massive performance by the forwards, who completely dominated the Halifax pack. That opened the way for half-backs Dominic Brambani and Brendon Lindsay to set up the plays and it was topped off by thrilling breakaway tries from wingers Danny Mills and Rob Worrincy. The Eagles started well with Brambani taunting his old club with a series of clever kicks. On seven minutes Brambani passed to prop Jack Howieson, who powered over the line. Jonny Woodcock added the goal. Halifax then fumbled a pass and Worrincy picked up the loose ball to run 70 metres for the second try. Woodcock again added the extras.

Sheffield emphasised their dominance when Alex Rowe burst through a couple of tackles to storm across the try line. Woodcock added the conversion and soon after added a penalty. A minute from half-time Halifax finally got a try to cut the Eagles lead at the break to 20-4. Halifax had their best spell after the restart with a converted score. 

The Eagles needed a score and got it in spectacular style with Danny Mills racing away from acting half just inside his half to touchdown. Woodcock added yet another goal and followed it with a penalty. The screw was turned with rapid-fire tries. Hooker Michael Hill- impressive in his second spell, scored the first and then provided the pass for prop Mitch Stringer to race 25 metres for his touchdown. Woodcock kicked both conversions. It was turning into a rout as Brambani raced under the posts for the seventh try with Woodcock kicking his ninth straight goal. Halifax staged a late flourish with two tries and conversions, but the fixture was long over. Sheffield had secured their revenge, 46-22.

During the month the club announced the signing of their first club apprentices. 

Dan Hawksworth, Reece Williams, Eddie Battye, Corey Hanson, and Daniel Horsfield, all having come through the Eagles scholarship scheme signed Apprenticeship Contracts with the club. 

June started with a return fixture against Salford City Reds. The Eagles opened the scoring as Mitch Stringer crashed over the line from a Brendon Lindsay pass. Salford hit back, helped by a series of penalties that gave them almost constant ball possession in the Eagles’ half. The pressure was increased when second row Matthew Whitaker was sent to the sin bin on 24 minutes. Salford took advantage when they blasted over the line, securing 6 points. That was to be Salford’s only score of the half as with great runs out of defence by wingers Worrincy and Mills the Eagles hit back. In the final minute of the half the Eagles were awarded a penalty 20 metres out and fullback Jonny Woodcock kicked the goal to level the scores at 6-6.

The second half was a very different story as Salford took the lead with a try after the referee dithered, then had reversed his decision on a scrum. Helped by a run of possession from penalties the Reds stormed ahead with three tries but adding only one goal. With Eagles second row Alex Szostak in the sin bin Salford added to their score with two converted touchdowns. In the final minutes, as the referee evened out the penalty count, Corcoran ran on to Lindsay’s pass for the Eagles second try. A defeat, 10-34, due to Salford securing too much ball possession. The defeat saw the Eagles slip down a place to 4th in the league on points difference.

Off the field it was announced by the company that operated Don Valley on behalf of the Council that they had agreed to Rotherham, United using the Stadium for the forthcoming 2008/09 Football season as they had decided to leave their current ground at Millmoor, due to a disagreement with the landlord, who had been the former owner of the club. The Eagles did not object to the ground share initially, but when they were told that they could only use the facilities for match days, and one training session a week, lasting 45 minutes, and that when they did have to ensure the pitch was not damaged the club were up in arms with their landlord. Historic evidence showed that the implication that playing rugby damages grass pitches was a fallacy, as playing football is the major culprit for creating any damage.

They had been anchor tenants for Don Valley since they first moved there in the 1990s, as no other club within the city had ever expressed an interest in permanently playing there. If the Eagles had not moved in, the Council would have been left with an embarrassing white elephant. At one stage the club were talking of moving out of Sheffield if they were not allowed to use the facilities as had been previously agreed with the landlord, believing that they were bending over backwards to accommodate the new joint tenant.

The landlords did confirm that they would honour their existing contracts with Sheffield Eagles, and although there was an anticipation of potential problems in August, when the football season started, with a potential clash over ground availability, should the Eagles secure a spot in the play-offs, that never materialised as the Sheffield club failed to progress to the knockout stage. The litmus test would be, however, the start of the 2009 season in February, when there was more possibility of ground availability issues.

But the next match, a home tie against Batley Bulldogs on June 20th, saw the Eagles with their first double of the season. It was a hard earned three points as the Eagles were pushed all the way by a battling Batley side. Sheffield just edged a lively first half thanks to a hat-trick of tries from Jonny Woodcock with the fullback converting his scores.

But before that Batley took the lead with a penalty. It only lasted for minutes before the Eagles hit back. A sweeping passing move led to a break by centre Damien Reid, he passed to winger James Ford whose inside pass to Woodcock ended with the fullback sweeping in under the posts. Woodcock added the goal. Batley then responded with scored their first try and conversion. Then Richard Newlove's break sent in Woodcock for his second try, which he converted to put the Eagles back in front. A string of penalties gave Batley possession for a long spell, and they scored again near the posts. Seven minutes from the break Woodcock completed his hat-trick of tries before adding the extras to give the Eagles a narrow 18-14 lead at the break.

Alex Szostak increased Eagles' lead with a try two minutes after the restart, leaving Woodcock a straightforward conversion. Batley then forced another try and with their next they went level. James Ford's try going into the final 20 minutes put the Eagles back in front with Woodcock adding the extras. Woodcock hit the upright with a penalty attempt from 40 metres but with four minutes to go Batley were down to 12 men as they lost a player to the sin bin. Sheffield capitalised as in their next move they made the game safe with a try in the corner from Richard Newlove. Sheffield were still in 4thplace with 22 points, having scored 256 points, but conceded 248. The remaining seven games would determine whether they would be in the play-offs for the second year running.

The Eagles travelled to fifth placed Leigh Centurions at the end of June. Leigh edged the battle for fourth place in National League One with two late tries denying SheffieldEagles a bonus point. In a stop-start affair that yielded 24

penalties, they grabbed their first try after 11 minutes which was converted. The Eagles responded with a counterattack six minutes later when Rob Worrincy cut loose from a Leigh kick. He raced down the right, outstripping three defenders before offloading to James Ford who then had a clear run to the posts from 50 metres. Jonny Woodcock converted and his two further penalties due to Leigh infringements increased the Sheffield advantage before close range tries by the Centurions handed them a narrow 16-10 lead.

Early in the second half Leigh's stretched their advantage but Sheffield responded. After driving to the line, Grant Edwards plunged over by the posts with Woodcock tagging on the simple conversion. However Leigh went on the offensive again scoring in the 63rd minute and then another two minutes later. Sheffield were on the score sheet again six minutes from the end when they scored a deserved third try. Quick play from Dominic Brambani and Brendon Lindsay released Woodcock from a scrum and he then added his 5th goal to set up a grandstand finish before Leigh responded to take the game and 4th place, 22-42. 

A further defeat followed at home to sixth place Whitehaven in July. The Eagles took the lead with a first minute penalty in front of the posts They looked set to build up a lead when a great angled run saw prop Mitch Stringer take the ball at first receiver and power over for a try, with Jonny Woodcock adding the extras. But Whitehaven came back as Eagles' defence froze as Whitehaven scored their first converted try. They then levelled the scores with a penalty from 40 metres for a high tackle. The visitors were taking control and forcing errors from Sheffield. They took the lead and then increased it with a further try and penalty to give them a 16-8 lead.

Whitehaven went further ahead after the restart with a try and conversion and then a further penalty, 24-8. Midway through the half Eagles enjoyed their best spell and a period of sustained pressure that kept the visitors pinned on their line defending. There were a couple of close calls, but the Eagles were restricted to a single try from centre Damien Reid with Woodcock adding the goal. The game was delayed for a couple of minutes when a water sprinkler went off at the side of the pitch sending a plume of water high in the field of play. The visitors made the game safe with a converted try three minutes from time and then a penalty just before the hooter. The victory 32-14 moved Whitehaven into 5th spot as the Eagles fell out of the play-offs in 6th.

Sheffield travelled to bottom of the table Dewsbury Rams for next game. The match started well for the Eagles. with Mitchell Stringer powering in for his 13th try of the season from Edwards’ pass. Woodcock kicked the first of six goals. Dewsbury came back with a try, but the Eagles were controlling the ball and that was allowing Brendon Lindsay to direct the attacking options. A Lindsay’s interception and pass to James Ford had the winger racing 80 metres from inside the Eagles half for the second try. Woodcock converted. Minutes later he took a long pass and weaved his way through a series of attempted tackles to score a great solo try and add the goal. The visitors were in total control as centre Damien Reid forced his way over near the corner flag and Woodcock added the extras with a touchline conversion. A stunning series of passes sent Woodcock in for the try of the game before kicking the goal. Dewsbury pulled a try back just on half-time, but it seemed the game appeared to be over at 30-8.

But the second half was a very different story as the Rams forced their way into the game starting with a converted try soon after the restart. The Eagles responded when Edwards went over the try line and Woodcock added the goal for what was to be a vital score, but they were looking increasing sluggish as Dewsbury started to pile on the tries and narrow the gap. Sheffield managed to hang on. With the teams level on six tries each it came down to a margin of four points, 36-32.

This game was followed by a further victory at home to Featherstone Rovers. In front of the cameras and Don Valley’s largest crowd of the season, 2,107, the result could have gone either way until the final dying seconds decided who would take the three points. The Eagles opened the scoring with Jonny

Woodcock catching Rovers napping from acting half-back and sneaking in for the try and then adding the goal. Featherstone hit back with a penalty and were pinning the Eagles in their half with the pack driving forward, eventually securing a try and conversion. The Eagles came back when Brambani's massive high kick was collected in spectacular style by Danny Mills to touchdown. Woodcock added the goal., but Rovers soon had another touchdown. James Ford looked to have taken back the lead but his 'try' was ruled out by the video referee and Rovers went in at the break with a 14-12 lead.

Five minutes in from the restart a dropped ball by Rob Worrincy gave Rovers possession and a bout of pressure ended with them crashing over for a try and conversion. Sheffield came back with a great drive from second row Matthew Whitaker and a looping pass from Lindsay to send Mills in at the corner for his 14th try of the season. But again, Rovers hit back extending their lead. Minutes later an interception allowed James Ford the chance to show a clean pair of heels to the opposition and race 60 metres for a try with the conversion narrowing the gap to two points. Two penalties from the Rovers again pushed out the margin but they were losing the possession battle as the Eagles took control. With seven minutes left a penalty try was awarded to Lindsay after he had followed up his own chip kick and Woodcock's goal levelled the scores. Then as the hooter sounded Brambani delivered the killer drop goal. The Eagles had won, 29-28 and were back in the play offs in 5th spot.

But that was the end of any dreams that the Sheffield players and fans had of another foray into the play offs, as the four remaining August fixtures brought the team down with a bump.

August started with a trip to South Wales to face high flying Celtic Crusaders. Crusaders celebrated their elevation the Super League from 2009 by running in seven tries to one for the Eagles. The Eagles looked sluggish as they hardly touched the ball in the first eight minutes and were hit by an early injury to skipper Jack Howieson that put him out of the game. Yet when they got their first real spell of possession, they made it count. Second row Matthew Whitaker made the break and passed to fullback Jonny Woodcock who raced 30 metres before selling a dummy to open the space to touchdown for the try. Woodcock then added the goal The Eagles trailed 26-6 at half-time.

The Eagles showed an improvement after the restart but there was no reward in points with Craig Brown, who put in a big set, forcing his way over under the posts but being denied the try for a forward pass. Celtic stepped up a gear and it was a long final 20 minutes as the home side ran in the tries. Defeat by 6-42 as the Eagles tumbled to 6th.

Next was another long away trip to Whitehaven. Sheffield scored first and last in Cumbria but otherwise they received a real hammering against Whitehaven. The Eagles opened the scoring when Jonny Woodcock landed a penalty in the third minute, but they struggled to get any quality possession or territory and gradually Haven started to dominate. Grant Edwards thought he has scored on 18 minutes, but the video ref pulled him up for a double movement and that was as close as the visitors came. At the half-time hooter Eagles coach Mark Aston would have been satisfied that his charges were only 10-2 behind, given Haven's total domination of both possession and field position. But Haven put on the pressure, winning with nine tries and eight goals. They switched off just before the hooter, allowing Rob Worrincy over for a consolation try which Woodcock converted. Another loss, 8-52 and a fall to 7th.

The final defeat came in the home tie to Widnes Vikings. Unlike the last two games the result was a much tighter affair. In front of the second highest Don Valley crowd of the season, 1,823, The Eagles scored the first try on eight minutes. Second row Matthew Whitaker started the move which saw a weaving run by Jonny Woodcock before his pass sent centre James Ford in to touch down under the posts. Woodcock added the extras. Sheffield extended their lead when Whitaker put Mike Roby through, and the centre twisted over and out of the tackle for the try. Woodcock added the conversion.

But a frantic six-minute spell leading up to half-time saw Widnes score three tries for a half-time lead of 18-12. Widnes continued the charge from the restart securing a further six points. Sheffield responded when Woodcock sent in Roby for his second try, but he failed with the goal. An off-load by Roby sent

Woodcock in for the Eagles fourth try but again he couldn't add the vital points. With minutes remaining, Widnes secured more breathing space with a penalty. They had secured their playoff place, 26-20 , with the home side managing only a single bonus point and having now to plan their next campaign in 2009 to try and get into the play-offs.

Sheffield’s last match of the season was at home to already relegated Dewsbury Rams. With only pride at stake, the crowd were treated to a nail-biting finish to the season as a gritty Dewsbury took the final game down to the wire. Aston gave a debut to 17-year-old Penistone forward Eddie Battye – who was dumped on his backside in his first tackle but got up and like the rest of the team finished strongly.

The Rams took the lead when, following a tap penalty on the left, they switched the play inside and blasted over for the try and the conversion. That stung the Eagles into action and scrum-half Dominic Brambani took control providing the inside pass for stand-off Brendon Lindsay to race through from 10 metres for the touchdown. Jonny Woodcock added the two. Sheffield swiftly then took the lead with Brambani setting up position with the first of two 40-20 kicks before the centre Mike Roby forced his way over near the corner flag. Woodcock converted with a great kick from the touchline. Centre James Ford had a simple run-in try from hooker Paul Pickering’s pass as the Eagles stepped up the pressure. The Rams then hit back with a further converted score and with Woodcock kicking a penalty just before half-time, the Eagles lead, 18-12.

It looked like game over as the Eagles pulled ahead with two tries in five minutes after the restart. Woodcock took Ford’s pass to go over the line and then the fullback added the conversion. A passing move by Ford, Dane McDonald and Brambani sent winger Rob Worrincy in wide on the right. But sloppy defending by Sheffield saw the Rams hit back with two tries and one conversion. It seemed that the end of season party would go flat as Dewsbury drew level with nine minutes to go. But the Eagles nerves were eased with six minutes to go when Roby touched down from Lindsay’s pass and Woodcock added the goal, to secure a 34-28 victory and the final league position of 7th, one point off a play-off spot, but with an inferior points difference.

The Eagles run-in to the end of the season saw them secure 10 league points, score 169 points, but concede 282, creating a negative points difference of 113.

In this competitive season overall crowds within the Division were marginally up to 2,047, but the Eagles were down by less than 1% to 1,068, the second lowest in the Division. The total number of individuals going through the turnstiles at Don Valley was 9,755. Don Valley recorded four out of the 10 worst attendances for the year, but by the end of the season they were recording there two highest crowds, due to the new match experiences the club had introduced and the away support brought by the opposition.

Another highlight of the season was the Reserve Grade. Under Dean Andrews the team finished 13th in the league. Yet again it had given the club the chance to bring on local players whilst at the same time giving first team players the chance to stay match fit. Competing against well-established clubs, the league position achieved was not as important as how far the players in the squad had progressed. A couple of the players were awarded first team contracts for the 2008 season – Eddie Battye, Mike Roby, and Dan Hawksworth

In addition to first team players Grant Farrow, Michael Hill, Ryan Hepworth, Dane McDonald, and James Morrow who regularly appeared in the team, others, with potential Eagles stars of the future, played.

• Steve Price
• Tom Rose
• Richard
• Humphries
• Rhys Dutton
• Adam Thomas
• Simon Perry
• Ben Vivian
• Mark Renshaw Smith
• Kyle Kesik
• Greg Pygott
• Ryan James
• Daniel Reed
• Dan Hawksworth
• Eddie Battye
• Mike Roby
• Joe Groves
• Neil Ackroyd
• Liam Booth
• Craig Jones
• James Parmenter
• Dan Townson
• Ben Tyers
• Luke Holt
• Aaron Phelps
• David Reed
• Damian Thomas

Again, playing home games at Hillsborough arena they secured a mixed back of results, winning six of their 16 games.

Off the field the Board and the Management Team had been creating a five-year

Development Plan for the Club. one of the major objectives was to increase of the team’s fanbase, a key factor if the club was to consider a future application for a Super League franchise. A welcome development were the initiatives introduced in the last few games of the season that resulted in increased crowds, and the aim was to ensure that these new people would return and be converted into supporters.

Reviewing the season Mark Aston believed that overall, it had been a disappointing outcome.