Rochdale Hornets fight back to beat Sheffield Eagles and reach cup quarter finals

Rochdale Hornets came from behind to secure a 32 18 win over Sheffield Eagles and book a place in the 1895 Cup quarter finals. The home side overturned an early deficit with a dominant second half performance.

Sheffield took control early at the Crown Oil Arena, scoring twice inside the opening minutes through Bill Walkley. The winger claimed the first after a contested kick before adding a second with a long solo run, although a missed conversion left the visitors ten points ahead.

Rochdale responded after the first quarter. A kick from Jamie Dallimore was gathered by TJ Boyd and moved quickly through Junior Sau before Ethan Wood forced his way over from close range.

Sustained pressure brought the Hornets closer before the break. Dan Nixon finished in the corner to reduce the gap to two points, with Rochdale also seeing a potential try ruled out following a loose ball in the in goal area.

Walkley completed his hat trick early in the second half to extend Sheffield’s lead again, but Rochdale quickly regained momentum. Dylan Kelly Duffy broke through the defensive line to score, with Max Flanagan adding the conversion to level the match.

The Hornets then took control. Debutant Harry Sheridan marked his first appearance with a try after reacting quickest to a loose ball, and Flanagan’s goal put Rochdale ahead.

Kelly Duffy added his second following a well worked move, before Jack Hansen finished another attacking phase to stretch the lead further and put the result beyond doubt.

A late try from Ryan Millar reduced the deficit for Sheffield but did not affect the outcome as Rochdale secured their first win since March.

The result sends Rochdale into the quarter finals where they will host Goole Vikings. Attention now turns back to league action with Dewsbury Rams set to visit next.