PREVIEW: SWINTON LIONS V SHEFFIELD EAGLES
06 September 2019
It’s the last preview of the year as the Lions take on the Eagles in the Betfred Championship.
In the last round of the 2019 Betfred Championship, Swinton Lions host Sheffield Eagles at Heywood Road.
The Eagles travel to Heywood Road just a few weeks after lifting the 1895 Cup at Wembley following their 36-18 success over Widnes Vikings following the Challenge Cup.
Here’s the latest preview…
FORM GUIDE
Stuart Littler’s side head into the ultimate game of the season with almost a ninth spot guarantee, with Batley Bulldogs two-points behind as they travel to Barrow Raiders on Sunday but with a bigger points difference on the Lions.
The Lions were most recently involved in a thrilling encounter at Halton Stadium against Widnes Vikings, with some impressive tries from both teams.
Matty Ashton scored the try of the afternoon, with a long range effort chasing the kick from the scrum which saw him claim second spot on the OurLeague’s Checktratde Try of the Week.
Ashton was joined by teammates Mike Butt, Samy Kibula, Jack Hansen and Nick Gregson crossing for four-pointers, whilst the Vikings took a 36-28 victory at home.
The Warrington-bound youngster crossed for his 100th Lions point, whilst August’s Player of the Month Hansen kicked his 50th goal for the club.
In-form Eagles celebrated their 1895 Cup victory just a fortnight ago, and most recently travelled to Bradford Bulls for the final game at Odsal, with the former Super League side relocating to the Tetley’s Stadium in 2020.
John Kear’s side claimed their final victory on home soil with a 30-10 scoreboard, whilst the Eagles sit in 7th place and a win could see them overtake the Bulls in 6th.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
The sides last met in the opening round of the 2019 campaign, with the season start coming to a halt just minutes in, with Will Hope sustaining a nasty injury.
It was the Eagles who dominated on the day, running out 64-10 winners.
Swinton last defeated the Eagles in round 16 of the 2018 Championship competition, with a 29-18 victory at the Olympic Legacy Park.
Rhodri Lloyd, George Tyson, Mike Butt and Will Hope all crossed on the day, whilst Chris Hankinson kicked four-goals and Josh Woods slotted a drop-goal.
TEAM NEWS
Matty Ashton will play his last game for the Lions before linking up with Super League side and 2019 Challenge Cup winners Warrington Wolves.
Chris Hankinson, Craig Mullen and Jack Wells all join from Wigan Warriors on dual-registration.
LIONS SQUAD TO FACE EAGLES: Ashton, Bennion, Brickhill, Butt, Fairclough, Gray, Gregson, Halton, Hankinson, Hansen, Hattonm P.Jones, Kenga, Lepori, Lloyd, Meadows, Morris, Mullen, Wells.
EAGLES TO FACE LIONS: Tbc.
