Doncaster Rugby Club

Hullensians 22 Doncaster Phoenix 11

With promotion secured Phoenix made the trip to Anlaby with a couple of changes in the backs but it appeared the euphoria of the previous league game had been quelled and Phoenix were deservedly beaten by a committed Hullensians.

The game started with the home side in the ascendancy and after a couple of early forays which Phoenix held out, it seemed the pressure was relieved and the danger averted.

However after ten minutes the Hull pack got in Phoenix territory stretching the defence wide with the ball then swung left for the winger to touch down in the corner, the kick going unconverted.

With the same emphasis on play the Hull winger seemed to be in again on the corner, however a fine disruptive tackle from Elliot knocked the ball clear when glory beckoned.

Phoenix now took back some initiative and made good territory and were rewarded with an Ellis penalty to reduce the deficit.

It was the Hull side who finished the half off though, from a line out close out they went for the catch and drive to be held up short of the line, however the number re-gathered and went over for a 10-3 half time score line.

On the turn round Phoenix had the advantage of the wind but it was the home side again who took the advantage courtesy of their elusive centre who was instrumental in the next two tries combined with missed tackles that allowed him to break the defensive line and offload to support for two tries one converted that sealed the game for Hull.

As with the previous encounter Phoenix responded with late pressure with Ellis knocking over a penalty and Farley breaking blind from the scrum at short range to reduce the deficit but it proved not enough and the Hull side deservedly took the points on the day.

Phoenix 2’s also went down 19-5 at Castle Park to Rotherham Phoenix so all in all not a fantastic day and may be apathy was the key word after a long but successful season.