Lions quickly tamed as Eagles offer tough opener at higher level

SHEFFIELD Eagles gave newly- promoted Swinton Lions an eye-opening 10-try welcome to the Championship.

Apart from a spell early in the second half when Swinton scored two quick tries, the Eagles were always in control in front of 1,815 fans – their best crowd for two seasons.

The home side didn’t waste time in getting off the mark with centre Mezie Yere’s break sending second row Alex Szostak in after just two minutes.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Yere claimed the next touchdown before Misi Taulapapa opened the way for scrum-half Dominic Brambani to race in behind the posts and claim his 100th point for Sheffield.

The Lions got into the game with a try from winger Rob Foxen, but Eagles prop Ryan Hepworth celebrated his 100th appearance for the club by going over from Brambani’s pass.

Brown kicked all the goals and the Eagles deservedly led 24-6 at half-time

Swinton went for broke from the restart and hit the Eagles with two tries in the first six minutes from centre Adam Higson.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Sheffield coach Mark Aston reacted quickly by bringing back the starting front row of Jack Howieson, Mitch Stringer and hooker Andrew Henderson from off the bench.

That seemed to tip the balance back in the home side’s favour with a sudden three-try burst from wingers Vinny Finigan, Nev Morrison and centre Duane Straugheir.

Loose forward Joe Hirst added two quick-fire tries and Brown’s goal brought up 50 points.

Impressive full back Quentin Laulu-Togage produced a 60-metre break to add to Swinton’s misery with Brown kicking his eighth goal from 10 attempts.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Darren Hawkyard’s late try and Gavin Dodds third goal were scant consolation for Swinton.

Sheffield Eagles: Laulu-Togagae; Finigan, Yere, Taulapapa, Morrison; Brown, Brambani; Howieson, Henderson, Stringer, Szostak, Peter Green. Hirst. Substitutes: Pat Smith, Scott, Straugheir, Hepworth

Swinton Lions: Richie Hawkyard; Dodd, Higson, Armstrong, Foxen; Ainscough, Watson; Holland, Mark Smith, Mills, Cunniffe, Darren Hawkyard, I’Anson. Substitutes: Morrison, Forster, Ashall, Hale.

Referee: J Leahy.