Doncaster Rugby Club

Wath 3 Doncaster 28

A glorious late summer’s afternoon saw Doncaster Phoenix open their Yorkshire 3 programme on a visit to local rivals Wath and come away with the points in the bag after a solid opening start.

With the advantage of the slope and the sun Phoenix kicked off and showed their intent immediately with the workman like Taylor knocking the receiver off balance for the ball to be turned over. Having recovered the ball it was Phoenix who had the better of the opening exchanges with the forwards ensuring quality ball for the backs to launch attacks deep in the home side territory.

Hence, it was after ten minutes that the ball was received by Conway who wrong footed the defence to break back inside form the left break two tackles and go over, with Ben Millar adding the conversion.

Conway doubled his tally for the day with a repeat performance ten minutes later.

With the visitors on top and using the advantage well it was inevitable that another score would come and it did courtesy of Ryan Roodt after the ball was taken by the pack recycled which left an overlap for Roodt to charge down the right and go over with Millar again successful with the place kick for a 21-0 advantage at half time.

On the turn round it was Wath who used the slope and came at Phoenix like a train with an intention to reduce the deficit. For five minutes Phoenix weathered the storm and defended well with the best Wath could do a penalty for their efforts converted courtesy of their fly half.

Phoenix sealed the win fifteen minutes in with again the backs advancing and with Germaine in support he darted over under the posts for the touchdown and Millar adding the points.

The exchanges were pretty well matched for the close of the game although Phoenix squandered one chance on the left when more deft hands would have ensured a score and Greenslade also crossed the line to be help up by the defence.

This was an encouraging start to League 3 rugby and if Phoenix use this as a starting block then the signs are good. On the day Taylor was the unsung hero in the pack, the pack actually were pushing their opponents and caused problems all day and with a vintage Conway performance he was good for his brace!