Five-try Kyran Holt inspires opening day win in Sheffield

Rochdale Hornets Wheelchair Rugby League team, operated by the Hornets Sporting Foundation, began its 2022 campaign in style with a 30-16 victory at Sheffield Eagles.

With both clubs at a similar stage of development, the Eagles never stopped challenging the Hornets in a game which saw the home side score three tries - and put in their best defensive effort of the season to date. 

However, Rochdale captain Kyran Holt was the difference between the two teams, finishing the game with 26 of his team's 30 points. 

Holt capitalised on a knock on to put Hornets in front, with just two minutes on the clock.

He was in again some 15 minutes later after a missed tackle caught the Eagles defenders out, and left them unable to chase the captain down.

Holt completed his hat-trick in the 23^rd minute combining with Scotland international Gavin Dobson, to score out wide. 

However, the Eagles showed their steel with some robust defence throughout, and completed sets in Rochdale’s half.

They were rewarded when Stephen Scott slipped through to score, on his competitive debut, and get the hosts on the scoresheet. 

Vicky Brooks converted, to reduce the deficit to ten at the break.

Two early Holt & Joshua Hart tries stretched Hornets' lead in the second half, one of which was a full-length interception with the scrambling defence unable to catch up. 

Solid defence from both sides followed, with both sides firmly in the arm wrestle and demonstrating some gritty tackling.

Eagles were given their best chance to draw blood when Bradley Brown-Johnson was dismissed for dissent. 

Capitalising on the advantage, Shaun Orton found space from Stephen Scott’s pass to score.

Despite being a player short, Hornets hit back with Holt ripping through the Eagles line to buy crucial time for Hornets to be restored to five players.

However, the last word went to Sheffield’s Will Brooks who collected David Butler’s quick pass to score in the corner - Scott added the extras to bring the final score to 16-30.

Head Coach, Carl Abraham, praised his players after the game.

He said: “We competed all game and every player should be proud of their efforts.

“There are things we obviously need to improve on in training, but I’m happy at the direction the club are going in and looking forward to seeing where this group can take the sport within the borough”

Hornets' campaign continues on Sunday April 3 when they play host to North Wales Crusaders, at the Rochdale Leisure Centre (13:40 KO). 

Hornets: Debbie Johnson-Brown, Bradley Brown-Johnson, Gavin Dobson, Joshua Hart, Kyran Holt. 

Interchanges: Sophie Bamford, Bradley Brown-Johnson, Michael Hart

Tries: Kyran Holt (2, 15, 23, 42, 69) Joshua Hart (46)

Goals: Kyran Holt 3/5