A Headingley Grand Final awaits for the winner of this elimination semi-final between Featherstone Rovers and Sheffield Eagles. Many would assume that Rovers will be favourites going into the clash, feeling fresh after a week off. But on the contrary, Sheffield have taken part in the last three Grand Finals after playing every week of the playoff series. Can they make a fourth consecutive Grand Final appearance? The winner will face either Leigh or Dewsbury in the final.

Featherstone Rovers played host to Halifax two weeks ago, both teams knew that they had a second chance if they slipped up whilst the winner progressed straight through to the elimination semi-final. Featherstone wouldn’t need any second chance as they beat a Halifax side who were without a full time coach. Scott Murrell stepped in for Karl Harrison, who was relieved of his coaching duties two weeks prior to the date with Rovers. Things started well for the hosts as Tim Spears barged over on the 13th minute, Moore goaled for a good start. Three tries in a ten minute period put Halifax in the box seat. Ben Kaye, Keith Holden and Gareth Potts with the four pointers, Murell added the extras for two of the tries. 16-6 with eight minutes left on the first half clock. Luke Teasdale got a try for Featherstone just shy of half time, instilling some confidence into Andy Hay’s men as they entered the sheds 12-16 down.

As the second half started, Halifax got erratic with the ball, trying to do too much too soon. This allowed Rovers to get a foothold in the game and scrum half Gareth Moore started the barrage of Featherstone second half scoring. 18-16 when the scrum half converted his own try. Luke Adamson stopped Teasdale completing a brace with a try saving tackle, unfortunately for Fax it was a high shot and the pressure was still on them. The pressure told as Kyle Trout scored to put some daylight between the sides. Halifax would remain scoreless for the second half as Matt James and Jason Crookes added the finishing touches to a successful day at the office for Featherstone. 34-16 was the final score, the Fev players earned a week to relax and put their feet up. This was while their opponents this weekend, Sheffield Eagles, were battling out a South Yorkshire derby.

Jason Crookes is a former Eagle. He’ll be wanting to score a few on Sunday and take his team to Headingley.

Sheffield Eagles increased their current winning streak to eight games with a great 58-24 win over neighbours Doncaster to book their place in the elimination semi-final. Eddie Battye and Etu Uaisele recorded early tries for the Eagles, who dominated possession and territory in the opening stages of the match. Dave Scott scored Doncaster’s first try after flashy footwork by young halfback Richard Wilkinson. Patch Walker scored for Sheffield after a great break by Scott Turner, this was before Liam  Cunningham was sent off for ‘striking’ Michael Knowles. Menzie Yere, Matt Garside and Scott Turner piled on the first half misery for Doncaster, scoring tries for the Eagles to make the half time score 34-6.

Mark Aston’s side came out of the sheds all guns blazing in the second half. Kyle Briggs and Quentin Laulu-Togagae registered tries on the 41st and 42nd minute respectively, Sheffield were edging ever closer to 50 points. Doncaster replied with a Scott Spaven try from dummy half, Cooke’s side were a credit to themselves as they never threw in the towel and kept attacking the Eagles despite the numerical disadvantage. Laulu-Togagae and Duane Straugheir added tries after Spaven’s score, making the scores 58-12 before Doncaster added two more tries before the hooter sounded.  Mike Emmett and Tom Hodson scored the final two tries of the game, making the score a tad more respectable. Final score 58-24 to Sheffield.

Sheffield full back QLT scored two tries in the win over Doncaster. Can he add to his impressive tally on Sunday?

Featherstone v Sheffield matches are never boring ones and this game will be no exception. A belter under the lights is most certainly in store. The teams that contested the 2011 and 2012 Grand Finals certainly know how to put on a good show. You will definitely witness a good show on Sunday night because the intensity, as per usual, will be sky high!

Thanks for reading. All feedback is welcome.