Sheffield suffer shock exit against Thornhill

Sheffield Eagles, shock conquerors of Wigan in the 1998 Challenge Cup final, were themselves victims of a giant-killing act when they were knocked out of the third round by the Dewsbury amateur side Thornhill Trojans yesterday.

Sheffield Eagles, shock conquerors of Wigan in the 1998 Challenge Cup final, were themselves victims of a giant-killing act when they were knocked out of the third round by the Dewsbury amateur side Thornhill Trojans yesterday.

The Eagles, reformed in December, lost 16-14 at the Don Valley Stadium, where the Trojans overturned an 8-0 deficit to earn their place alongside the 12 Super League clubs in today's fourth-round draw.

Jason Firth and the substitute Abraham Phillips scored tries for the Trojans and Barry Drummond clinched victory with his side's third try 15 minutes from the end, although they were forced to hang on when Johnny Bruce grabbed a late converted try.

There was also an upset at Mount Pleasant where Batley, the first-ever winners of the Cup in 1897, lost 10-0 to Oldham St Annes. Two Patrick Mitchell tries gave the Oldham amateurs a dream start and Rob Rose added a second-half penalty to secure a memorable victory.