Doncaster Rugby Club

After last week’s defeat Phoenix travelled to old rivals Rods and came away with a hard fought win after a scare on the death.

With the return of Germaine back at blind side flanker, Poskitt on the wing and Gray at full back, Phoenix travelled to Manley Park with  thoughts of an improved performance from the week prior.

There is not a lot to say with regard to the first half other than both sides seem to contest the game in the middle third of the pitch and when Phoenix got close to the Rods score-line they were guilty of losing concentration: losing ball against the head, turning the ball over on the line-out and the only scoring opportunity was Stewart hitting the post with his solitary penalty attempt.

After a frustrating first half with neither side getting going, it was Phoenix who took the upper hand in the first period of the second half. They took the game to Rods and managed to get the backs moving and make ground. Gray broke the gain line and looked to be clear from an intricate move, however possibly too intricate for the Referee who adjudged the pass forward.

Phoenix forwards maintained territory and pressured the right flank opting for the catch and drive from the line out. The ball was then shipped to Lowcock who crashed over only again for the ref to adjudge the last pass forward. However, Rods were guilty of the offside and Stewart knocked the ball over for three points.

Phoenix then maintained the pressure to allow Stewart again to double the advantage.

The last fifteen minutes was then a roller coaster ride for Phoenix and they had to defend intense home side pressure and their concentration held firm up to the death when Rods fly half Barlow managed to score deep in the right hand corner. Fortunately for Phoenix with now recognised kicker on hand Rods missed the resulting conversion that was the last play of the day.

On the day this was another 2 points in the bag but Phoenix still need to look to up their game with some tricky fixtures ahead. Credit must go to the whole side for the defence in the last ten when previously this could have lost them the game.