Doncaster Rugby Club

Hot day, small, hard sloping pitch.  Disjointed but game Hemsworth team, a bit unfit in the pack.

First ten minutes very sloppy.  Poor Phoenix decision making, ie knocking on when trying to run from our own 22 on three occasions, gifted Hemsworth a penalty and drop goal with a Jonny Stewart  penalty in reply.

Then Phoenix stepped up a gear.  A good lineout move saw number eight Nick Germaine make yards.  Quick ruck ball went out to the backs, inside centre Martin Lowcock crashed through the Hemsworth centres and off loaded in the tackle to supporting flanker Steve French.  Conversion by Jonny Stewart.  10 – 6.

Five minutes later and an almost identical pattern of play.  Lineout, forward runner and Lowcock crashing through the centres.  This time the pass went to outside centre Adi Hogben whose clever overhead pass allowed full back Ben Gray to stroll over.  15 – 6.

Third try soon followed as Phoenix took control in a devastating 20 minute spell.  Touchline conversion by Jonny Stewart.  22 – 6.

A slack ten minutes into half time as Phoenix made too many errors, mainly trying to pass one handed out of the tackle instead of taking contact and looking to set up a ruck.

Hemsworth fought hard in the second half but were outclassed.  Phoenix worked hard but could only regain top form in limited spells.  Both second half tries coming from open play after three or four phases.  One by the strong running Ben Gray and the other when Gray put winger Ryan Guest over. 

Hemsworth pulled a try back from a forward crash ball runner off a lineout although the ball did appear to be dropped over the line.  A shame really because the Phoenix defence was committed throughout and didn’t deserve to be breached.

Final score 32 – 11.

The scrum was much improved with Kahau and Liddle justifying their selection and Coach Atkinson’s training efforts evident.  It suffered though when Kahau was replaced but by then the game was won.  The line out was excellent all day and the back row outstanding.

Generally pacey in the backs, Lowcock causing mayhem with his direct running and Gray always threatening.

Too many wrong options taken but overall a good performance with some excellent spells of rugby.

Monday night training for the backs this week.  Anyone who can’t attend please let me (Chris Conway) know.