Whitehaven shoot down Sheffield Eagles to boost play-off hopes
Last updated 10:45, Saturday, 12 July 2008
Sheffield 14 Haven 32: Whitehaven gave their play-off hopes a massive boost with their first away win in the league over close rivals Sheffield Eagles.
Haven completely outplayed the South Yorkshire side at their own game in an impressive performance at Don Valley Stadium last night.
The win lifts Haven above the Eagles into fifth place with the sides level on 19 points but separated on points scored-conceded difference.
The Haven forwards deserve massive praise for the way they took the game to the big Sheffield pack and laid a platform.
That gave Leroy Joe, Saia Makisi and Carl Rudd the space and possession to dominate the action and keep Haven moving forward and asking questions.
Graeme Mattinson was outstanding in the loose and exposed the Eagles weakness at hooker.
Haven started slowly but soon took control wiping out an early lead by the Eagles. In the second 40 minutes Sheffield - with stand-off Brendon Lindsay leading - tried desperately to get back into the game. It was then that Haven showed they could defend.
Tane Maniheria was held back until the final quarter and then produced a cameo performance to make the game safe.
The Eagles took the lead with a first minute penalty in front of the posts kicked by fullback Jonny Woodcock.
Sheffield were looking the sharper and a great angled run saw prop Mitch Stringer take the ball at first receiver and power over for a try. Woodcock added the goal.
Whitehaven came back as the Eagles defence seemed to be frozen as Joe passed to Scott McAvoy for the centre to run through a gap and touchdown. Carl Rudd added the goal.
Rudd levelled the scores with a penalty from 40 metres for a high tackle.
Whitehaven were taking control with Joe and Mattinson combining well and forcing errors by the Eagles.
Haven took the lead when Joe was held near the line before the play was switched across the field to the right for winger Ade Abebisi to dive to collect a chip kick and touchdown. Rudd added the goal.
Just before half-time Rudd increased the lead with a penalty to give Haven a 16-8 lead and send the Eagles in looking shell-shocked.
It was more of the same after the restart as Haven kept up the pressure. They went further ahead when a move involving Joe, Edmondson, Mattinson was finished by second rower Spencer Miller.
Rudd continued his great form with the boot to add the two points and then increased the lead with a penalty.
For Sheffield the errors continued and Paul Pickering became the first of two players to be put on report for a late tackle. He was followed late in the game by Dominic Brambani for alleged biting.
Mid-way through the half Sheffield enjoyed their best spell and a period of sustained pressure that kept Haven pinned on their line defending.
It was time for Haven to show they could defend and the result was a couple of close calls but Sheffield were restricted to a try from centre Damien Reid with Woodcock adding the goal.
Haven held out and made the game safe with a try three minutes from time from hooker Mattinson after Manihera was held in front of the posts. Manihera converted the try and added a penalty just before the hooter.
MATCH FACTS
Sheffield: Woodcock; Mills, Reid, Newlove, Ford; Lindsay, Brambani; Buckenham, Hill, Stringer, Szostak, Corcoran, Whitaker. Subs: McDonald, Hayes, Pickering, Rowe.
Tries: Stringer, Reid. Goals: Woodcock 3.
Whitehaven: Broadbent; Calvert, Jackson, McAvoy, Abebisi; Rudd, Makisi; Edmondson, Mattinson, McDonald, Miller, Hill, Joe. Subs: Manihera, Gorski, Ford Jackson.
Tries: McAvoy, Adebisi, Miller, Mattinson. Goals: Rudd 6, Manihera 2
Referee: R. Hicks (Oldham)
Attendance: 810
Star Man: Leroy Joe
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