Narrow defeat against Eagles only serves to aid Broadbent’s Rams cause

On Wednesday, the club will formally unveil their new boss but such a performance, against a side vying for silverware in 2012, will have done the former Great Britain international’s cause no harm.

The Rams worked tirelessly to stem the Eagles’ initial flow of points and, as the dying minutes arrived, were within reach of completing what would have been a remarkable victory.

With Sheffield flagging late on in the game, former Dewsbury half-back Dominic Brambani crossed the line to put matters beyond any doubt and boss Mark Aston – a close friend of Broadbent’s – was able to breathe a sigh of relief.

Early Eagles tries courtesy of Dane McDonald and Neville Morrison helped them go clear.

But Broadbent’s introduction of unassuming half-back Matthew Tebb had a significant impact, the young hooker bundling over just prior to half time.

The Championship pair traded blows shortly after the resumption, but a try from Sheffield substitute James Davey edged the away side into a two-score lead.

Undeterred, the Rams displayed a never-say-die attitude and responded with back-to-back tries through Greg Scott and Ryan Esders. Patch Walker managed one of two possible conversions, meaning the Rams were just four points adrift with as many minutes remaining.

That was until Brambani popped up to spoil the hosts’ end-of-season party.

Dewsbury Rams: Craven, Akaidere, Scott, Cosgrove, Wainwright, Walker, Spaven, Singleton, Hood, Chandler, Spicer, Tonks, Blake. Substitutes: Tebb, Esders, Barlow, Flanagan.

Sheffield Eagles: Lauulu-Togagae, Morrison, Yere, Taulapapa, Turner, McDonald, Brambani, Howieson, Henderson, Stringer, Knowles, Scott, Szostak. Substitutes: Davey, Green, Hepworth, Higgins.

Referee: G Stokes (RFL).