Sheffield hold off Batley challenge

Sheffield Eagles remain on course for a second consecutive Co-operative Championship Grand Final after beating Batley 42-12 in the second elimination play-off tie at the Don Valley Stadium.

The Eagles, runners-up to Featherstone in last year's final, will meet 2010 champions Halifax in next Sunday's elimination semi-final at The Shay for the right to take on Featherstone or Leigh in the decider.

Gareth Moore gave Batley the lead with an early penalty goal but it was short-lived as Scott Turner grabbed two tries and Misi Taulapapa and Joe Hirst also touched down before half-time to help Sheffield lead 24-2 at half-time.

Taulapapa and Hirst both added second tries after the break and Turner completed his hat-trick, while Jonny Campbell and Alex Walmsley added consolation tries for the Bulldogs.