Still buzzing after the superb victory over Halifax Rovers were looking to maintain their perfect start to their 2010 league campaign.
On a sunny but cool afternoon, in Sheffield, The Eagles 'new' home of Bramhall Lane was the setting awaiting the Rovers as they searched for their sixth consecutive League victory. With Jamie Field's back still not quite right the forward pack was much the same as last week with Matty Dale continuing at losse forward and the bench also showing no changes, 3 forwards Dane Manning, Ross Divorty, and last years player of the year Tim Spears alongside 'super sub' Andy Kain.
The Rovers free scorring back division this week included the dual registered Michael Coady on the wing with Jon Steel asked to make way.
After a tight and tense opening 20 minutes in which both sides were guilty of making one or two errors the home sides' defence was the first to crack giving Rovers a 6 - 0 lead, finished by Papua New Guinea International Jesse Joe Parker after some good work from Micheal Coady.
Almost immediately the scores were tied up as The Eagles hit back. but Rovers managed a further score from Jon Grayshon and with a few moments left in the first half Andy Kain scored under the posts for Featherstone to take a 6 -16 interval lead.
The second period saw Rovers attempt to find the fluency of recent weeks in attack, but a succession of errors and penalties meant that, although never comfortably out of sight on the scoreboard, the rare award of a penalty try settled the nerves of travelling fans.
Further tries in the final 20 minutes including a special set play, which saw centre Liam Welham skate between the posts and a final score in the last few seconds meant that Rovers again reached 40 points, and whilst not being a vintage performance of flowing Rugby, credit must be given to a dogged Eagles outfit who made sure that although the scoreline suggested a comfortable victory in the end most Rovers supporters were pleased to get this one out of the way.
A very controlled performance overall ensured that Rovers first visit to Bramhall Lane ended in a victory with some solid performances throughout the side - Not a classic but 6 tries 6 goals and a penalty try and yet another 40 points can't be bad can it ? Played 6 Won 6 - Top Of The League.
