Eagles shot down by Halifax

Halifax made a successful start to the Championship season with an 18-10 win over defending champions Sheffield Eagles at The Shay.

The home side led 16-10 at half-time thanks to tries from Ross Divorty, Paul Handforth and Ryan Fieldhouse.

Michael Knowles, man of the match in last season's Grand Final, had given the Eagles an early lead with the first try of the new season and Misi Taulapapa added a second to keep the visitors in touch by half-time.

Sheffield half-back Dominic Brambani had a try disallowed for obstruction but the only score of the second half was a penalty goal from Handforth eight minutes from the end.