Sheffield Eagles v Siddal ARLFC
On Sunday 12th March the Sheffield Eagles played Siddal ARLFC, away, in the Challenge Cup. This was postponed from the previous day due to snow.
This is the first time that the Sheffield Eagles played Siddal ARLFC so this week we looked back to the other times Sheffield have played amateur clubs in the Challenge Cup.
Eagles first game in the Challenge Cup
The Sheffield Eagles played their first game in the Challenge Cup in their first ever season (1984/85). They played Warrington on 17th February 1985 at Owlerton Stadium, losing 54-19 in front of a crowd of 1,479. The game was referred to in the book Against the Odds:
As would happen in later years when Eagles met top class sides in form, it was a very one-sided affair in the end with the Wire (Warrington) winning 54-19. Eagles had competed well for considerable periods and had led with a drop goal by the manager. Later Hetherington, after receiving an elbow to the throat, could only croak out his comments, but accepted that the pace and skill was just too much for the Eagles. Ten years later in the Premiership quarter final at Wilderspool, Eagles would demonstrate their progress when they demolished a much fancied Warrington side by 32-16.
Eagles best over Challenge Cup run
There is no debate about the best ever Challenge Cup run, it is the victory at Wembley in 1998. You can read more about that HERE.
Most Recent Appearance in the Challenge Cup
In 2022 the Eagles beat Hunslet Parkside, away, 40-20 in the 4th round. This was then followed in the fifth round with a 50-30 away win to North Wales Crusaders. They then lost to Hull FC, at home (actually at Featherstone as the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park Community Stadium was yet to be finished), 58-12 in the sixth round.
Previous games against amateur team
The Eagles have played a number of amateur teams over the years in the Challenge Cup, many of them memorable, often for the wrong reasons for Eagles fans.
The Eagles have faced East Leeds (both at home) twice in 2001 and 2014, winning both games, 42-0 and 54-0 respectively.
They've also faced Leigh East twice (both at home) in 2002 and 2013 winning both games 34-12 and a slightly more comfortable 112-6.
There have been two games against Leigh Miners Rangers (both away) in 2004 and 2007 winning 14-12 and 46-18.
There were also two games against Oulton (one away, one home - in Wakefield) in 2003 and 2012 winning 22-8 and 55-8.
The Eagles have faced Egremont once (at home) in 1998, as part of the Challenge Cup victory year, winning 84-6.
As mentioned above the Eagles beat Hunslet Parkside 40-20 in Hunslet in 2022.
There has been one game against a university side - Leeds Met, in 2011 at home, with the Eagles winning 82-0.
There has also been one home game against a French amateur team Lezignan, with the Eagles losing 37-22.
In 2010 the Eagles beat Thatto Heath at home, 54-0.
In 2000, the newly reformed Sheffield Eagles faced Thornhill Trojans, at home, losing 16-14, proving a memorable day for the amateur team.
For 2005, the Eagles were away and they beat Waterhead 22-16, after being behind at .
So it hasn't always been easy for the Eagles against amateur sides, with a number of losses and some tough, close wins.
Match Report
The match report, written by Dan Fowler, is produced here with permission of the Sheffield Eagles.
Sheffield Eagles booked their place in round four of the Challenge Cup with a 12-34 victory over Siddal at Chevinedge.
Jason Bass notched a second half hat-trick to help guide the Eagles through but the story lies with Siddal as the National Conference League outfit gave a brilliant account of themselves.
The Eagles were just six points up at the break, courtesy of tries from Ryan Johnson and Lewis Peachey.
Siddal got on the board through Henry Turner, who latched on to a Richard Pogson grubber. Both Cory Aston and Pogson, the goal-kickers of Eagles and Siddal respectively, converted their efforts.
Half-time - Siddal 6-12 Sheffield Eagles
Siddal were first on the board in the second period as Pogson got himself on the scoresheet with a try of his own. Having converted his four-pointer, the hosts were level and smelling blood.
However, despite heavy pressure in parts from their amateur opponents, Sheffield came out of the other end and would have Bass to thank for a quick hat-trick that would get them over the line.
His first try saw the winger nudge his way past his opposite man in the corner. Aston couldn’t convert from the touchline.
The former York man would complete his brace with a fine individual effort. Having caught a bomb at one end, he skipped past a number of defenders before going the length of the field. Matty Chrimes-esque! Aston added the extras for a 12-22 advantage.
Jack Hansen was next over the whitewash for Sheffield as he was in support of a Ryan Johnson offload. Aston converted and did so for the final try of the afternoon from Bass, who touched down a marvellous Connor Bower kick to the corner.
Share your memories
Do you have any memories of games between Sheffield Eagles and amateur teams in the Challenge Cup that you'd like to share. Share them with us HERE.