The 2016 season got off to a disappointing start for the Eagles thanks to a 24-6 defeat away to Sandwell Steelers on Sunday (10th April).
The Eagles started the game brightly. After returning the opening kick off to the 39-yard line the offense marched towards the red zone, and took the lead after QB Mikey Davies connected with Tom Childs from the 24-yard line.
Sandwell responded strongly though. An impressive kick return gave the Steelers a relatively short field, and they struck quickly with a deep pass to level the scores at 6-6.
The two sides traded possession for the rest of the first quarter but it was the hosts who edged ahead early in the second period, and the lead was extended before the end of the half after the Sandwell offense capitalised on a turnover following an interception.
HALF-TIME: Steelers 18 Eagles 6
The second half couldn’t have started better for the Eagles after recovering a Sandwell fumble on the kick-off inside the 20-yard line, but the Steelers D again forced a turnover on third down with another interception.
Neither side were able to add to the score before the end of the third quarter, with time expiring as Sandwell were driving, and they hit the decisive blow at the start of the fourth.
The rest of the game followed the now-familiar pattern as both offenses exchanged three and outs and short drives, with Sandwell never looking in danger of allowing their lead to be threatened.
FINAL: Steelers 24 Eagles 6
The Eagles return to BAFANL action this Sunday, away to Doncaster Mustangs. Kick off at the Keepmoat Stadium is 2.30pm.
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