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Dewsbury Rams 16 - 10 Sheffield Eagles

Match report by Chris 'Ossy' Osbaldeston

Maybe it was the importance of this game to both sides, but the fear of losing seemed to hang over Rams stadium yesterday, certainly in a disappointing first half. Not that there was any lack of physical effort, but nerves and an under par performance from referee Dawber, saw the fans served up with a disappointing and error strewn first 40.

The Rams took the field without two of their pack stalwarts, Dominic Maloney and Martin Robinson both failing to recover from knocks taken at Widnes last week. In the early stages they saw little of the ball, but good defence saw them ride out the pressure, and slowly work their way into the game.

Offside at the play the ball, and high tackles ruled for a while, and it was one of each from The Eagles that led to the two penalties kicked by Liam Finn on 12 and 17 minutes that edged The Rams in front 4 – 0. Chances came and went at both ends. Danny Maun cut through after winger Worrincy fumbled a high cross kick, only to be called back for offside.

At this point, mistakes seemed to be creating more chances than skill. Pat Walker’s knock on saw The Eagles through down the middle, only for Ian Preece to get back and snuff out the threat. Even so it was The Eagles who notched up the first try of the game late in the half, a breakaway saw centre James Ford cross out on the left. Woodcock’s conversion coming back off the post and a couple of minutes later the halftime hooter sounded with the scores level.

4 – 4 was the kind of scoreline we used get 35 years ago when I was a lad, and the game was played mid winter in ankle deep mud. But for me it merely reflected the fact that both sides were desperate not to lose. On the whole defences ruled, and we haven’t been able to say that very often this season.

So we began the second half on even terms, though that state of affairs didn’t last for long. 3 minutes in, Eagles moved the ball quickly to the right, giving Rob Worrincy room to go over in the corner. Woodcock’s excellent touchline conversion gave them the lead for the first time at 10 – 4 and you could sense the apprehension in the South Stand.

But as I’ve said before, this Rams side has some steel about it. That’s the reason we’ve picked up bonus points steadily all season, and it certainly shone through yesterday. Andy Hobson and Dean Lawford led by example, but every member of the squad played their part.

The second half was a much better affair. The fans of both sides got behind their teams, and the noise seemed to spur on the players. 17 minutes in, Ian Preece almost cut through on one of his runs from full back, but it was Liam Finn who took advantage, driving over from acting half as well as adding the conversion that saw Rams draw level at 10 – 10.

Though defences remained solid, both sides were going for the win. Only a superb tackle from Patch Walker stopped The Eagles when it seemed they must be over on their left. With ten minutes on the clock, Rams got the deciding score, Danny Maun crossing out on the left. Again a superb kick from Liam Finn added the extras and we were left to chew our nails until the final whistle.

Both sides had their chances in that final ten minutes, but The Rams held firm to record the double over the side promoted with them last season. As the other results came through, it became clear that both these sides will remain in NL1 next season, so congratulations are due all round. Final result, Dewsbury Rams 16 – Sheffield Eagles 10.

That sixth play off place still remains to be fought for though, so the job ain’t over yet. Next week we head off to Donny in search of another three points.

Mind you, there is one black cloud looming on my horizon – what on earth am I going to do with myself when the season's over? On second thoughts, this is a family club, so please don’t answer that.

Teams .
Dewsbury Rams :- Ian Preece; Bryn Powell; Chris Hall; Danny Maun; Austin Buchanan; Pat Walker; Dean Lawford; Andy Hobson; Liam Finn; Joe Helme; Kevin Crouthers; Alex Bretherton; Josh Weeden. Subs :- Luke Haigh; Rob Kelly; Liam Crawley; Keegan Hirst.

Sheffield Eagles :- Johnny Woodcock; Danny Mills; James Ford; Damien Reid; Rob Worrincy; Brendan Lyndsey; Gavin Brown; Jack Hewieson; Paul Pickering; Michael Stringer; Dale Holdstock; Ged Corcoran; Adam Heyes. Subs :- Dominic Brambani; Tommy Trayler: Richard Newlove; Craig Brown.