Doncaster Rugby Club

Yorkshire 3

This weekend Doncaster Phoenix entertained Baildon who beat us convincingly at the beginning of the season. Changes to the side that shockingly lost to Wath last week included, Roodt in at prop for Liddle, Smith in for Oakley in the second row and the other Roodt coming in for Miller in the centres. Bulky winger Burton was also recalled to the starting line up with Barnes dropping out of the side.

The game started well, with Phoenix making good yards courtesy of the pack and the backs relishing on some quick ball. After a good turnover and some good drives Phoenix found themselves five yards form the visitors line. Fly-half Elliot saw the defence was struggling to get across, cut a good line and used his weight to get over the line. A great start for Phoenix, things were looking very positive at this point.

Baildon responded well with some bulldozing attacks from their large centre, but Phoenix`s defence held up well. Strong tackles from Smith and Fielding and a fine effort by Taylor stopped some certain tries. In the end Baildon settled for a penalty to make the scores 7-3.

Phoenix started to play some rugby again from the restart, Taylor and Brookfield made some try scoring breaks only to be pulled back for forward passes. But in the end Ceri Thomas managed to break a tackle and gorilla run all the way to the line. A good try by the flying Scotsman! The half ended with the scores 12-3.

In the second half Phoenix fell apart, the pack stopped functioning and basics went out of the window. Baildon took full advantage of this and after a good twenty minute period of pressure finally got a try in the corner making the scores 12-10 with Phoenix on the edge.

After both sides had short periods of attack the ref informed only three minutes remaining and Baildon pushed forward. They got awarded a dubious penalty which the fly half slotted over well giving Baildon the lead 13-12 with only a couple of minutes to go.

From the restart, some fine work by Veal got Phoenix awarded a penalty, with touchline cries for an attempt at posts to win the game it was rather surprising when Elliot (Jnr) took a quick tap and broke down the blind. Some good hands gave Burton a run at the line from 15 yards. He did not fail and managed to get his rotund frame over the line for a fantastic match winning try! The final whistle went as soon as the conversion was taken. Final score 17-13.

In summary, Phoenix have to stay concentrated for a full 80 minutes, too often we lose our concentration and we have been penalised for it. We very nearly self destructed on Saturday and only just managed the victory. But all heads will be on for next weeks big game and I know that everyone will step up to the mark and put in their best performance of the season. Come on lads!