Sheffield Eagles 13 Halifax 6: Lindsay makes amends to put Eagles into next round

Halifax got off to a great start with Lee Paterson intercepting a kick from Brendon Lindsay and passing to centre Jon Goddard who hugged the line for 70 metres to claim the try. Paterson added the goal.

The teams were struggling with the slippy conditions which produced numerous handling errors in a scrappy game.

Lindsay made amends going into the second quarter when his chip into the in-goal area gave centre Tangi Ropati chance to bustle in and touch down. Jonny Woodcock added the goal.

It was the first points Halifax had conceded in three games in the competition.

Halifax were looking the stronger but two minutes from half-time a penalty gave the Eagles chance to get into the visitors 20-metre zone with Lindsay passing to prop Jack Howieson, who powered his way over the line. Woodcock added the goal for the Eagles to lead 12-6.

After the break, the Eagles faced a battering as Halifax, led by Stanley Gene, tested the defensive line. The icy conditions contributed to handling errors which led to the breakdown of moves by both teams.

Woodcock was unable to extend his side's lead with a penalty attempt. But two minutes from time Craig Cook kicked a field goal to extend the margin beyond a single score.

Sheffield Eagles: Woodcock, Thackeray, Mossop, Ropati, Taulapapa; Lindsay, McDonald; Howieson, Cook, Stringer, Szostak, Corcoran, Hirst. Substitutes: Brooks, Barlow, Michael Haley, Exton, Hepworth.

Halifax: Royston; ,Paterson, Goddard, James Haley, Worrincy; Branighan, Bowman; Cherryholme, Penkywicz, Wrench, Larder, Gene, Beswick. Substitutes: Penkywicz, Tamghart, Watene, Nash.

Referee: G Hewer (Whitehaven).