Doncaster Rugby Club

Doncaster Phoenix 1^st XV 20 Aireborough 22

Where does one begin to report on a game that up to five minutes from the end was being played in an exciting exhilarating manner with Phoenix leading by 5 points to be the victims of a decision which shocked the home the side and bemused and gave the away side a victory by a decision that was adjudged to have been a penalty try which to my mind, and I would imagine 99% of players and spectators, no clear try scoring opportunity denied by foul play!

Suffice to say Phoenix started the game with side much intact from the previous week the only real inclusions were the return of Taylor and Roodt back to the back row.

It was the visitors who started the stronger having the elements in the favour with a still breeze and the sun behind them they capitalized early doors utilising their backs to the fore to release their speedy right winger to touch down in the corner.

The points were increased by a further 3 when Phoenix infringed 40 out and with the strong wind behind him the fly half made no mistake in knocking it over.

On the fifteen minute mark again using the elements Aire gained good field position and from a resulting line out five out their pack caught and drove over for a converted try and a 15 point advantage after twenty minutes.

In days of old and applying the Derek Eves philosophy Aire would have potentially secured a win, however this seemed to be wake up call and Phoenix produced some cracking rugby to come back at the visitors. With good interplays between backs and forwards the home side drove up the hill to secure a line twenty out. From securing the ball, the ball was moved in the backs with Burton feigning the dummy he collected and went through the defence to score under the posts, Millar converting.

Millar further reduced the lead with a penalty direct in front.

Then came the play of the day with skipper and warhorse instrumental in its commencement and execution the ball was collected on the left with Horse galloping on to interplay with the supporting backs and being there to collect the ball on the line to prance over and touch down. The elation was further compounded when Millar hit the kick for Phoenix to leave the half two points to the good 17-15.

With Phoenix now having the elements in their favour Millar increased the lead, knocking over a penalty thirty out and the home side looking comfortable for a win. Fifteen from time Liddle came off to be replaced by Farley. Still at this point Phoenix had good field position and maybe should have come away with something to consolidate their lead.

To their credit Aire defended solidly and advanced up field by getting to their winger who almost scored but was caught by fly half Elliot. Thus having gained field position Aire stuck the ball up their jumper and put together a series of assaults in the Phoenix 22. It was then that having conceded a penalty for offside, and then a high tackle, that Aire took the ball in with Farley being adjudged to be offside, that the referee then ran twenty yards up the pitch to award Aire a penalty try and ultimately the game with Farley yellow carded to boot for persistent infringing – this with no prior warning!

We must acknowledge the gracious way Aire didn’t over celebrate this bizarre judgment but this was a cruel way for this encounter to be decided.

With five minutes left the Aire played the game out and claimed the last sixteen spot and Phoenix were left bewildered and must now look to pick themselves up to take on Moortown next week. If they produce the same performance from the twenty minute mark and are not subject to forces beyond their control then it should prove another close encounter.