26.09.2005
Doncaster Phoenix 2nd XV 18 Hemsworth 2nd XV 7
Doncaster Phoenix 2’s entertained local rivals Hemsworth on Saturday and got off the mark in their league – The Yorkshire Merit.
With an abundance of players available Captain Tommy Curzon was picking from strength with the inclusion of the likes of May, Lane, Farley, Watts and Powell who have all seen 1st team action this year.
Phoenix got off to a lively start and looked dangerous when the back row pressured with strong runs from May and Farley making yardage and the forwards tight in the scrum and secure at the line out. It was from early pressure that the visitors succumbed to allow an easy 3 points for scrum half Watts to slot over after ten minutes.
Keeping the momentum going Phoenix again advanced and pressured the right blind side with the forwards recycling the ball to allow Mcnally Junior to touch down in the corner with Watts unlucky from the spot kick.
Hemsworth responded well with their centre Baneham (whom Phoenix loaned!) making some elusive breaks centrally and it was the visitor’s turn to apply pressure. Camping in the twenty-two the home defence held well until Crowe narrowly missed the intercept allowing the visiting full back to go over for a converted try under the sticks – making the half time score 8-7.
Having the advantage of numbers Phoenix made changes in the guise of Forey and Williams who made an immediate impact both making yards advancing into Hemsworth territory. From a resulting line Hemsworth line-out five out the visitors mis-threw into the grateful Williams hands who went over for an additional five points.
Being the dominant side Phoenix made hard work of the possession they had made even more difficult when Lane had ten minutes in the bin. They also took the wrong option i.e. opting to kick to touch when the penalty kick was a much easier and secure option – hopefully we will learn from this!
Phoenix weathered the storm and the line-out functioned well in the absence of Lane. Phoenix then secured the win with pressure in the visitors twenty-two with Captain Tom leading the way in rucking responsibility the ball spun right banged in by the pack and allowing Forey to ‘foray’ over the line to secure an 18-7 victory and take the spoils!
Whilst this win is welcome improved attendance at training would do well to iron out the creases and ensure that winning ways are maintained.
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