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Lions tamed in qualifying test

26/ 9/2002

SWINTON LIONS turned their attention to next season's promotion push after another heartbreaking defeat at the Don Valley.

Pursuing a Division One place next season - and as it turns out a derby game against Salford City Reds - the Lions roared into a 10 point lead inside 25 minutes.

Rob Gallagher was first over the line with a close-range try after some good work by forwards Phil Cushion and Lee Hansen.

The Swinton pack were hassling the Eagles into making mistakes and Cushion took full advantage on 24 minutes when he broke through the home defence following a penalty for a try converted by Mick Nanyn.

At this point Sheffield woke up and got themselves on the board with two minutes left in the half with a try from Scott Rhodes.

In the second half, spurred on by player-coach Mark Aston, Sheffield looked like a different side and drew level on 48 minutes when Rhodes scored an unconverted try.

Rhodes was again involved four minutes later when he side-stepped Hugh Thorpe to send Ian Armstrong in at the corner. Richard Goddard converted the try. As soon as they fell behind, Lee Hansen provided the moment of the game for Swinton as he smashed through six tackles to bring the Lions well and truly back into contention.

Aston extended Sheffield's lead on 72 minutes but the Lions responded again when Jamie Stenhouse latched on to a good pass from Craig Dean. Craig Winfield converted.

But any hopes of an upset were dashed when substitute Billy Kershaw scored a late try with the Lions pressing forward.

The defeat marks the end of a topsy-turvy season for Swinton - but at least this close-season the future looks bright for the Blue army.