Скачать или смотреть Sheffield Eagles Challenge Cup winners 25th anniversary celebration dinner on stage interviews

On 2nd May 2023 the Sheffield Eagles Heritage Project working with the Sheffield Eagles organised a celebration dinner to mark the 25th anniversary of the Eagles' historic Challenge Cup victory.

The 2nd May 1998 is a historic day in the short history of the Sheffield Eagles. It was on this day, only 14 years after being formed that they defied the odds and expectations in beating Wigan Warriors 17-8 in the Challenge Cup Final. This match is often described as the biggest upset in Challenge Cup history, perhaps in British rugby league as a whole.

The celebration dinner at the OEC Sheffield was attended by over 220 people including fans, players, coaching staff, former board members, sponsors and those associated with the Club over its lifetime. The evening opened with the 17 staff and players from the 1998 squad who joined us that evening being welcomed to the room and the players receiving their heritage certificates.

After the three course meal there was a twenty minute film shown including highlights of the quarter final, semi final and final, followed by video messages from Rod Doyle, Marcus Vassilakopoulos and Michael Jackson who couldn't join us. We were then able to show never before seen footage from 1998 including interviews, behind the scenes and celebrations.

John Kear and the three try scorers from the game - Nick Pinkney, Matt Crowther and Darren Turner - took to the stage to share their memories through discussions with the compere for the night Pete Emmett. Pete then made his way to the players' tables and we were treated to a range of stories and memories from that 1998 season. It was clear from hearing John and all the players talk how much the 1998 season meant to them and the bond they have with each other.

The evening closed with a chance for people to have their photos taken with the Challenge Cup as well as catch up with each other and share memories.