Both sides claimed four tries and the difference was Jonny Woodcock kicking three of his five goals, while Damien Quinn managed two for Crusaders.

Anthony Seibold, Carl de Chenu, Paul Morgan and Michael Ryan all crossed for the Welsh side at Don Valley Stadium.

Eagles' scorers were Brendon Lindsay, Alistair McClarron (2) and Andy Hay.

Crusaders coach John Dixon said: "Being beaten is always hard especially when you've been in the game until the last minute.

"It was a quality match. We were two evenly matched sides and credit to Sheffield in the end, they just held on."

Crusaders face another tough task on Sunday when they welcome National League One side Rochdale Hornets to the Brewery Field in the last 16 of the Northern Rail Cup.

Hornets overcame the Crusaders 32-8 in the Challenge Cup at Spotlands a few weeks ago, so the Crusaders will be looking to turn around that result.