Doncaster Rugby Club

Before the match report begins, I would like to make a formal apology after new information became available regarding last weeks fixture at Moortown.

Dear Dave,

It is with much regret that I had to report your missed tackle, penalties conceded and poor scrummaging technique last week. But unfortunately the report was based on facts presented at the time which left me no choice. After much whining and moaning, dragging your bottom lip in the dirt and biting at every bit of banter thrown your way, it was decided that an emergency committee should be created to debate whether in fact you were to blame for some of the tries scored against us last week. On the committee sat, Tony MacNally, Alani Kaihau and Kevin Clifton. Between them they decided that Coach David Senior was in fact not to blame for two tries conceded last week and in fact was to blame for none at all. So from the deep within me I offer a full apology for the slander you received last week. Now cheer up!

(Just uncross my fingers)

To the report …..

Last Saturday’s game was Round 6 of the EDF Junior Vase with a victory putting us in the last sixteen. We delivered, but only in the second half. Changes to the side from the loss at Moortown included, Scott Campbell making his debut at hooker, Smith coming in for Taylor and Longworth returning for the whinging Dave Senior.

It was clear from the start that we were a much better side than the previous week, we actually won our own scrums, well just about, and our lineout’s were fantastic all game. The match started with Phoenix enjoying all of the possession coming close to scoring only to be stopped just short. However, it was Pinley who scored first, after an error by the Phoenix pack the bulky Pinley ten tried an audacious attempt at a cross field kick and a kind bounce allowed the Pinley winger to get over for the first try. This was much to the delight of the hordes of Pinley supporters who were very vocal all game and in the bar.

Phoenix came back hard, after dominating the first fifteen we were very unfortunate to concede but already we knew we were the better side. After some good work down the left hand side by the pack running off ten and nine, a hefty gallop by Longworth broke the defensive line only for the fullback to haul him down short. This put Pinley on the back foot and allowed the newly slim line Liddle to penetrate and get over for the try. Phoenix were back in it. 5-7. Almost, immediately off the kick off after some good running by the backs, Shandy Lowcock in particular, Phoenix found themselves with a penalty under the posts. This was slotted over to make the score 8-7 going into halftime.

During the half time talk Coach Senior pointed out that we had dominated the possession and had been beaten by a lucky bounce. He advised to stop trying to punch it up front and to start and stretch their defence more out wide. That is exactly what we did.

Within a couple of minutes of the second half Phoenix had scored. A good move through the backs sent Burton all the way to the try line. Well almost, he stopped just short with the fullback holding onto his sleeve and offloaded to Shandy Lowcock to score from a yard. Just dive Burton, back yourself. This took the score to 15-7 meaning that Pinley needed two scores to take the lead. To their credit Pinley came at Phoenix trying hard to get the next score backed fully by their travelling fans. But the Phoenix defence stood up to the onslaught, and a cracking tackle by Burton on the Pinley eight pretty much ended Pinleys fight.

Phoenix then finished the last twenty minutes with three well worked tries, the first scored by the marauding Burton, after another great move in the backs put him through the middle which he finished very well. This was quickly followed by the now dominating Phoenix pack going on a few twenty yard drives which eventually led to Jim Oakley going over from close range. The score was now 25-7 and Phoenix were playing some of the best rugby they have played all season, fast phases by the forwards and some fantastic running lines by the backs. To top it all off in the final minute after the pack had driven well from a lineout, the backs broke the Pinley defence, Burton taking a flat ball through the middle and when the line beckoned he offloaded to Jazz to go over. Final score 30-7.

In summary, Saturday was back to how Saturdays should be. A well worked win with some good rugby followed by a cracking drink and a sing with the Pinley boys in the bar. (We won the boat race, Veal hammered the nuts and Shandy nailed the Mars Bar) A cracking atmosphere all game kept going for a good few hours after. This is all made better by getting into the last sixteen of the EDF Vase where we will face the Nottingham Casuals at home on the 2^nd February.

To sign off this week I hate to say it but have to say it, Burton played very well ………..  but still has rubbish hands.