Doncaster Rugby Club

Yorkshire 3

Roundhegians 12 Doncaster Phoenix 19

Phoenix travelled for the fourth time this season to Leeds opposition to take on promotion hopefuls Roundhegians – a club who have played in North East divisions over the past years.

Changes to the side included the preferred ‘heftiness’ of Roger Morris at lock , and another heavyweight at fly half John Ellis – the training having paid off! With Dan Greenslade retuning at scrum half and Dan Fielding on the bench.

It was the home side who took the early momentum advancing into Phoenix territory through their backs. However Phoenix defence was strong and they took advantage of space on the right to advance down field from a break through Millar with the support of his pack.

Hence after six minutes the Mighty frame of Ellis picked the ball up twenty (or eighty) yards out to boshh through three defenders (two of whom were props!) to score under the posts with Millar adding the conversion.

With Oliver coming off into the blood bin, it meant a somewhat early entrance for Farley and in that time Hegians advanced to gain a line out from ten yards. From the ensuing catch and drive the Leeds prop Harling gathered and reduced the deficit to two.

Not to be outdone Phoenix established field position and reciprocated the line out in Hegians territory. It was at this point Oliver’s wound ‘miraculously’ healed to allow him to come on and take the ball to score in the corner.

Then on the half hour mark came the visitors side most impressive try which came from a superb combination of inter play between forwards and backs started by veteran Atkinson who must have run at least two yards to start the phase which resulted in Millar seeing a gap thirty out and galloping over to take a 19-5 advantage before the break.

One minute from the turn round the Hegians full back Clarke collected the ball mid field and at full pace evaded the defence of Lowcock and Jazanowski to go under the posts for 19-12.

From this point with the exception of one attack where if the ball had been spun to Foster in the Leeds 22 he would have surely scored – it was defence time and for the last half hour of the game the home side remained in Phoenix territory. Fortunately the visitors were up to the attack and held on for victory and elevation to the top of the table after a hard fought game against a strong side.

Compared to Moortown this was a much improved away performance and if Phoenix can maintain this sort of discipline for the rest of their away excursions then it will keep them in contention at the top.

Next week sees another tricky tie with third place Skipton coming to Castle Park in another crucial game for Phoenix.