Doncaster Rugby Club

Yorkshire 3

Doncaster Phoenix 16 Thornesians 21

This Saturday saw a close fought local derby encounter with the table toppers visiting Castle Park and consolidating their position with a deserved win in front of a large crowd.

The side remained much the same as that who triumphed at Stocksbrige with the only change being the inclusion of Skipper Shandy Longworth back in at lock with Guns Douglas reverting to the bench.

The visitors commenced with all the elements in their favour and when Rob Bennet broke through in the first minute he experienced a rash tackle from full back Ellis and three points courtesy of the boot of centre Wayne Green. Green doubled his tally a couple of minutes later ensuring an early six point advantage.

It wasn’t until ten minutes into the game that Phoenix pulled themselves together and advanced into Thorne territory. However on winning a line out five out the home side failed to throw the ball in straight. Indeed, every time the home side did advance they were guilty of unforced errors and strong Thorne defence blocking the way.

This was epitomised when dominating the scrum and winning one five ou,t the referee adjudged Phoenix to push too early and give the visitors a chance to clear their lines.

Thorne also squandered two more kickable penalties which would have given them a more comfortable cushion come the half time whistle.

On half time Phoenix felt with the advantage of the slope and breeze that they were capable of producing the goods and the intention was shown when in the first minute Thorne were penalised in front of the post for Millar to half the deficit.

What was more disappointing was that almost immediately after the retake Phoenix conceded a penalty allowing Green to restore the margin at 9-3.

After this Thorne gained the upper hand courtesy of two scores the first came from a deft cross field kick from fly half Chappell beautifully weighted for winger Lloyd to catch and go over. The second came from open play with Thorne attacking and flanker Liddsdale emerging open on the right to scamper in.

Phoenix pulled back the score with another two Millar penalties and kept their best play until last with the slope and the Phoenix pack gaining the upper hand they attacked deep in the Thorne half but met an extremely resilient defence further hampered by a yellow card to Germaine and it wasn’t until the final play of the game that Greenslade breached the Thorne line in the right corner with Millar converting for a final score of 21-16.

On the day Thorne were worthy winners courtesy of their two tries and resilient defending and Phoenix were guilty of unforced errors that cost them the chance to take the spoils. They must now regroup and prepare for the long trip to Garstang in the EDF before commencing on the second half of the season where they are still in a position to push for promotion.