Doncaster Rugby Club

Doncaster Phoenix returned to the ground where a few weeks ago they progressed through to the semi final of the EDF Junior Vase in a game they won by a single point. Thus the Leeds outfit were out for revenge and duly righted their wrongs in a less entertaining game played in a atroucious conditions.

The game started as had many this season with Leeds looking threatening when they played the simple draw and pass which saw early pressure draw the ball wide right for a quick spin back to the hefty Number 8 on the hoof in the cnetre going over from short range with the conversion added - another Phoenix early concession.

The next Phoenix foray into West Leeds territory saw the home side falter in front of the posts and Ben Millar reduced the deficit to four points.

The exhanges were even for the next twenty with both sides putting in some graft for little reward.

Then five minutes before the break Phoenix attacked the West Leeds line with the home defence opting to ruck on their goal line. It was down to sharp witted Fielding who relaised that once the ball was in the goal area it was free to pounce on which he did to take an 8-7 leads much to the bemused faces of the West Leeds defence.

The second half again proved to much the same as the dour first, again both packs putting in a lot of endeavour but lacking any substance to provide the break required.

It was the simplicity of the West Leeds backs that won the day when they gained good ground position sticking to the basics which saw the scrum half break allowing the side to bundle the ball over and take the league points and avenge the earlier cup defeat.

On the day, Phoenix did graft but were guilty of not reading the game and changing the tactics required, i.e. grubber kick as opposed to hoof in conditions that didnt make good viewing!