Doncaster Rugby Club

Doncaster Phoenix made the long journey to Hornsea this weekend and met a much different side than encountered at Castle Park but did enough to take the league points maintaining second spot with Otlienensians breathing down their neck winning at Oaks where Phoenix faltered!

There were a few changes this week due to unavailability and ‘bird’ flu with Farley making impact for the full eighty and the introduction of Hughes and Greenslade on the wings.

It was the home side that started the game at pace and for the first five minutes battered Phoenix territory with Phoenix soon realising they were in a game and had to hold out with Hornsea testing the defence of the pack and then spinning the ball wide to test the wing.

Having overcome the initial barrage Phoenix made yardage and progressed into the Hornsea half. It was here they made in roads through the centre with some well-rehearsed backs moves to penetrate the centre only to be held up short of the line.

Indeed the try came from such a move when Ellis broke central and Hornsea clearing the ball only to land in the arms of Conway who evaded two tackles on the left wing and came inside and with a two on one with Atkinson in support he off loaded and Atko scampered across for the only points of the half.

The second half saw Atkinson sin binned early on for persistent infringement and it was during this time Phoenix extended their lead by advancing and breaking the central defence again to be awarded a penalty in front of the sticks which Conway duly obliged with the three points.

Hornsea then reciprocated the yellow card and it was during their time that they scored their try by committing Phoenix defence and spinning the ball wide for the winger Stead to touch down in the corner and fly half Parker increased the intensity by knocking the ball over.

For the last five Phoenix held firm and gained territory and almost secured victory but again failed to off load when the line beckoned. However this was to be the last event of the day with Phoenix securing the win against determined opposition.

Phoenix 2^nd s also scored a creditable 25-13 win to Barnsley 3rds at home so another double for the Phoenix.