Doncaster Rugby Club

The long trip to Yeadon saw Phoenix comprehensively defeated by Champions elect Airebrough. However with Otliensians also going down at Hornsea Phoenix retain second spot and the challenge for the runners up spot now relies on Phoenix securing the last three games with the crunch match at home to Otley on the 8^th April.

Phoenix travelled to Airebrough in buoyant mood with the only two changes being the re-introduction of Atkinson at hooker with Morris going into back row whilst in the backs Meadows came in for the work bound Conway.

The game started as the previous weeks with Phoenix first to strike with Burton again to the fore going under the posts in the first minute after the forwards banged up the left, Ellis adding the conversion.

After that the tale of the half was three missed tackles and the Airebrough number eight emerging from a ruck unopposed to score four tries – it was fortunate that Airebrough didn’t have their kicking boots on!  There was a glimmer of hope on the break after Phoenix finished the half bearing on the Airebrough line only to be denied by a missed last pass - 22-7 at half time.

That glimmer soon eroded when the Airebrough backs ensued further misery on the hapless visitors who could not compete with some slick interplay which resulted in a further 25 points with no reply.

With the seconds narrowly going down to Airebrough 2’s at home 10-8 this was a day to salute a side which will win the league and means Phoenix must now re-group, put this day behind them and concentrate on securing second spot behind worthy Champions.