| Sheffield Eagles 24-24 Salford City Reds |
| Don valley Stadium, Sheffield |
| Friday 2 May 2008, 8pm |
| National League 1 - Round 6 |
The Reds scored twice in the last five minutes to snatch an unlikely 24-24 draw in Yorkshire against Sheffield Eagles. Despite having the lion's share of the possession Salford still found themselves trailing heavily deep into the game until Jordan Turner and Paul White popped up with late, unconverted scores to break the Eagles hearts
In fact, teenage starlet Stefan Ratchford was left to rue his hurried conversion attempt after the first late try in the 78th minute, failing to slot over a simple chance.
It left him with one to convert from the touchline after White's score which sailed agonisingly wide of the mark.
In truth the Reds may wonder how their massive amount of possession led to them trailling 24-10 at one point early in the second half.
Things had started badly when former Salford prop Mitch Stringer crashed over after just three minutes but a response with tries from Gardner and Alker should have seen the Reds start to pull away at 6-10 as the Eagles continually coughed up possession and position.
Then, defensive lapses and smart attacking play saw the Eagles score twice in as many minutes before the break though to lead 18-10 and when Lindsay went in soon after for his second after another defensive blunder it looked as though the Reds were set to finally lose their ubnbeaten National League record.
Almost instantly though Craig Stapleton replied with a try converted by Ratchford but then it took an incredible defensive effort from the Eagles to keep out the Reds until five minutes from time as they lay siege on their line.
Even then, when Turner scooted over with minutes to spare and Ratchford missed his conversion it still looked a lost cause until Paul White's pace carried him over in the corner with what was to be the last play of the game bar the conversion attempt.
Even though they may have expected a win Head Coach McRae will take some solace that his charges never gave up and in the end only dropped a single point, and with a week off next weekend his players can have a much-needed break after a hectic schedule.
LISTEN TO THE RUGBY ROUNDUP WITH PAUL MCNALLY ON SALFORD CITY RADIO 94.4FM OR LISTEN ON THE INTERNET AT www.salfordcityradio.org - EVERY WEDNESDAY 6-7PM FOR FULL MATCH REACTION.
Email your questions and request to paul.mcnally@reds.co.uk during the week
