Doncaster Rugby Club

Final warm up game against Wheatley Hills 2^nd XV, red hot day, good referee.  Debuts for hooker Mike Timms, prop Rob Nithsdale, and second row Paul Tyrer.  Late change to selected team as Ben Gray goes onto wing and Jamie Webb rides the pine.

First few skirmishes showed that Wheatley had a strong, organised pack.  They put the Phoenix under considerable pressure throughout the game wheeling the scrum at will, pressurising the line out and turning the ball over at rucks.  In contrast Wheatley had no answer to the Phoenix backs who generally looked pacey and were well marshalled by fly half Adi Hogben.

2m  -  1^st good Phoenix ruck produces quick ball for backs.  Jon Ellis crashes over and converts.

14m  -  2^nd good ruck, more quick ball and Ellis puts wing Ben Gray through a gap in the Wheatley centres.  Ellis converts.  14 – 0.

19m  -  Ellis penalty for Wheatley hands in the ruck.

22m  -  Weak Phoenix scrum on own 22 puts scrum half Joe Watts under pressure.  Loose ball leads to converted try under sticks.  17 – 7.

28m  -  Scrappy loose ball on Wheatley 22.  Tyrer straightens well and creates a ruck.  Half break by Hogben, off load in the tackle and The Unit Nithsdale bulldozes over.  Ellis conversion.

32m  -  Ellis penalty for Wheatley entering ruck from the side.  27 – 7.

Half time 27-7 to Phoenix.

43m  -  Weak Phoenix tackling near the centre spot lets Wheatley straight through for converted try.  27 – 14.

45m  -  Gray, now at full back for the dazed Poskitt, starts attack from own dead ball area, chips full back and is checked.  Hogben quick tap from penalty leads to yellow card for Wheatley prop and another Ellis penalty.

47m  -  Wheatley, one man short, score unconverted try.  30 – 19.

58m  -  Gray chases Hogben chip inside Wheatley 22.  Full back drops ball, Gray taps ball on and scores simple try.  Ellis conversion.

65m  -  Burton, very good defensively all game, links well with Mark Longworth and then gives a switch pass near the touchline for Hogben to score near posts.  Yet another Ellis conversion.  44 – 19.

72m  -  Short line out on Wheatley 22.  French takes quick throw in, catching Wheatley asleep and scores easily.  Ellis conversion.

79m  -  Hogben starts move in own 22.  Wide miss pass sets Gray off again.  He rounds winger and draws full back.  Pass to replacement winger Webb to run in unopposed from half way.  The last kick of the game is Ellis’ first miss.

Final score 56 – 19  to Phoenix.

Tyrer was competitive throughout, Ellis kicked well, Longworth’s work rate was excellent and Gray looked dangerous every time he got the ball.

Good result but much still to work on.  Tougher tests ahead starting with first league game next Saturday at home v Airborough (3pm).