Doncaster Rugby Club

West Leeds 26 Doncaster Phoenix 8

Having comfortably beat the Leeds outfit at the start of the season, this was a disappointing result which saw a Leeds side yearning a win which the visitors just didn’t seem to want and suffered the consequences.

With poor training attendance and after turning up with no kit or equipment the signs were indeed ominous. Also with a big injury list and unavailability’s the side saw the return of Coach Conway to fly half, Ryan Roodt to centre and Joe Watts on the wing.

The early exchanges were even and there were glimpses of hope with Roodt at centre collecting from Conway and making yards, and indeed the home side looked vulnerable around the edges.

Leeds weathered the storm and their backs seemed to have more pace on the flanks and duly advanced into Phoenix territory where the visitors infringed and the home side gladly accepted the three points.

The next penalty was the ‘irony’ of the day when the Leeds backs broke down the right and made territory into the Phoenix 22, with Taylor (the most Gentlemanly gentleman of the Phoenix squad and quite posh to boot!) back to defend he feigned to call to the ball carrier to pass which he did and the referee awarded a penalty for ungentlemanly conduct and slotted another three points. The last time I saw a penalty for this was in 1988 for a double dummy down the centres.

With the home side gaining in confidence they then advanced again and what Chris Conway couldn’t do they did, namely dropping a goal to make the score 9-0.

The home side then cemented their victory with two tries courtesy of their speedy backs opting to spin quick ball to the wings and chip over the defence to touch down twice and the conversions in return Phoenix could only settle for a Conway penalty.

Phoenix did show some signs of hope towards the end when they attacked the Leeds goal area only for a resolute defence to hold out for a 23-3 half time score line.

The second half was much ado about nothing with another West Leeds drop goal and a late Al Kaihau touchdown the only highlights of the half.

This was arguably Phoenix’s worst performance of the season and they will certainly need to up their game for next week’s second round Silver Trophy match where they entertain Whitby at Castle Park.