Thackeray leaves it late to deny Sheffield

The home team trailed 26-24 with normal time all but elapsed, courtesy of a bludgeoning try from in-form prop Luke Ambler, who had forced his way over with three minutes remaining.

But Thackeray and half back Paul Handforth combined superbly, Handforth chipping the ball over the line on half way and then swapping passes with Thackeray for his partner to score to the left of the posts.

Steve Tyrer, who had kicked flawlessly all game, landed the conversion and Fax had somehow won a game they had looked so much like losing.

Sheffield started well, Menzie Yere only just lost control of the ball as he stretched out to score one handed, but the Eagles were soon over the line though, winger Vinny Finigan touching down. Further tries came from Scott Turner and Michael Knowles, Brown adding one conversion.

The home side finally came to life with tries from Rob Worrincy and Thackeray, Handforth and Tyrer both converting.

A penalty gave Yere the chance to put Knowles over and Brown added a penalty to make it 22-12.

Paul White and Quentin Laulu-Togagae traded tries, while Jim Gannon and Duane Straugheir being sin binned after a flare up with 12 minutes to go.

That seemed to provide the home side with an extra shot of enthusiasm, Ambler setting up the grandstand finish with a late try.

Halifax: Fieldhouse, Worrincy, Tyrer, Paterson, White, Handforth, Thackery, Tonks, Penkywicz, Ambler, Manning, Robinson, Gannon. Substitutes: Bowman, Ashall, S. Barlow, Aizue.

Sheffield: Lauulu-Togagae, Finigan, Yere, Taulapapa, Turner, Brown, Brambani, Howieson, Henderson, Stringer, Knowles, Scott, Szostak. Substitutes: Davey, McDonald, Straughier, Higgins.

Referee: C Leatherbarrow (RFL).