- May 9

York Knights v Sheffield Eagles - Match Preview

🤝 York RLFC Match Previews are proudly sponsored by David Lloyd York!

York Knights know that they are just one win away from a return to Wembley Stadium as they prepare to face Sheffield Eagles in the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup Semi-Finals on Sunday (3pm) at the LNER Community Stadium.

York finished as the highest-placing runner-up in the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup group stage, achieving a points difference of +68, primarily thanks to a 114-10 thrashing of Newcastle Thunder in January.

That set up a Quarter-Final clash with Oldham RLFC whom the Knights breezed past in a 46-12 victory, with Will Dagger and Richie Myler each finishing with a couple of tries.

Sheffield meanwhile have reached the last four of the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup for the third time in the competition’s five editions after a 26-10 win over last year’s finalists Batley Bulldogs at the Olympic Legacy Park.

That followed victories over Doncaster RLFC (18-22) and Midlands Hurricanes (16-30) in February as the Eagles topped Group Seven.

Both sides will be desperate for a return to Wembley Stadium after previous appearances at the national stadium in the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup.

Sheffield claimed the inaugural AB Sundecks 1895 Cup in 2019 by beating Widnes Vikings 36-18 while York reached the competition’s showpiece two years later, suffering a narrow 41-34 defeat to Featherstone Rovers.

While the Knights have endured a difficult first few months so far in the 2024 season, Mark Aston’s Eagles have enjoyed a dream start to the year, having lost to only reigning Betfred Super League champions Wigan Warriors and Betfred Championship promotion favourites Wakefield Trinity so far through 14 matches.

Such a terrific run of form has left Sheffield second in the Betfred Championship table, having emerged as the closest challengers to league leaders Wakefield Trinity, whom they suffered a 10-36 defeat to last week.

Alongside the motivation of earning a Cup Final appearance at Wembley Stadium, Andrew Henderson’s side will be eager for retribution after a 32-16 loss against Sheffield in the Betfred Challenge Cup back in February.

The Knights trailed just 16-12 at the break but the sending off of Will Dagger late in the first half proved an obstacle too great to overcome.

Tickets for Sunday's double header are on sale now as York Valkyrie meet Leeds Rhinos in the Betfred Women's Super League (12pm) and York Knights take on Sheffield Eagles in the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup Semi-Finals (3pm)!

Tickets are priced at £15 for Adults, £10 for Concessions (17-to-21-year-olds and over-65s) and FREE for Under-16s. Tickets are available to purchase online HERE.

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