Rob Worrincy's hat-trick secured a first Super League Super 8s victory for Sheffield Eagles in an extraordinary game with Halifax RLFC at the Keepmoat Stadium.
Both teams had lost two out of two coming into the match but both started quickly, Adam Tangata linking up with Ben Johnston to go over for Halifax before Worrincy scored for Eagles in the corner to level things up.
The away side kicked into gear after being pegged back, however, and Steve Tyrer dived on a superb Johnston kick to re-establish the lead before Gareth Potts finished off a 60m run to extend the advantage.
Sheffield cut the deficit shortly before half time when Pat Walker went over and converted his own try, meaning that for all their dominance Halifax went into the break just 18-12 ahead.
Thirteen minutes into the second period that lead was wiped out altogether when a superb carry from James Davey lead to Worrincy going over for his second try of the day, with Walker duly converting to restore parity.
Halifax went in front for a third time soon after when captain Scott Murrell sold the defence a dummy before powering over, but Quentin Laulu-Togagae collected Walker's offload to level the scores yet again at 24-24.
It was Eagles who stole the points and a precious first win, however, when they took the lead for the first time through Worrincy's hat-trick try after the influential Walker chipped to the corner.
Next up for Eagles is a clash at Leigh Centurions on Sunday, September 6, while Halifax host Salford Red Devils the day before.
Tom Nightingale
