Doncaster Rugby Club

Yorkshire 3

Doncaster Phoenix 1^st XV 20  Thorne 2^nd XV 6

Thorne 2^nd XV 51 Doncaster Phoenix 14

At last!  The spirit which had deserted us for much of the first few games of the season returned in spades against local rivals Thornesians.  Three defeats last season, the 50 nil thraping last week and last minute changes plaguing the dancing boys again things did not bode well.

However, with the Greenslade trophy at stake and 2 league points, the boys came out firing.  Carey Thomas press ganged into service at 10 (late withdrawal from Jazz-missus poorly and Elliot -distant cousins wedding-had to get his hair done for evening bash) controlled the game well and ensured the Phoenix played on the front foot.  The forwards had the best of the early exchanges taken the ball on at pace and driving holes in the Thorne defence.

The Thorne supporters had apparently thought better of it this year and were clearly ensconced watching the underdog English beast the Aussies.  Not even the Greenslades were in sight Simon (Bruce) Greenslade chucking shrimps on the barbie and enjoying some cool ones, Dan (Barbie) Greenslade injuring his knee playing poker and Malcolm holding the fort at 'our boozer'.  The lack of atmosphere was not echoed on the pitch where the phoenix took control. 

After any early penalty from Thomas, phoenix continued to press the opposition line.  From the 5 man lineout in the 22 Taylor and Morris combined well to make good ground.  From there the forwards set up the driving maul and from less than the length of the gnats chuff Roodt drove low and over the line for his first of the campaign.

The Thorneys did fight back with two penalties in the first half before Phoenix stretched away again this time through the backs.  Thomas (the welsh wizard) was now enjoying himself at 10 and dummying the forwards outside in released Brookfield on any inside break with pace and precision which belied the fact that he was carrying an in-growing little toenail which was giving him some serious jip.

Smith was now starting to dominate in the lineout and using his extra height to demonstrate his undoubted ability in the second row berth.  The back row were marauding with Smith, Taylor and ‘muncher’ Morris showing great spoiling, ball winning and defence.  Morris's smash on the Thorne inside centre was the highlight of the first half but just missed by father Morris who had just gone back to watch the Knights.

15-6 at half time and all was still to play for in the second half.  King of the guns KO was starting to bust big holes in the Thorne defence and from the lineout five metres out he managed to carry his huge bulk over the line including the ball and five Thorne defenders.

The rest of the half was dominated by the defences.  The news that the sweet chariot had swept the Aussies aside was the only item of real note.  The Phoenix defence held well and the game finished respectable at 20-6.  The Greenslade trophy is safely back where it belongs although the Thornies did manage to forget to bring it!

Another good week of training is in order followed by the cup game against Bury next week.  Coach Senior is recovering from throwing up all night Friday (dirty glass) but will be ready to deliver more of the same next week.

Unfortunately the impact of player changes and absenteeism meant the 2^nd s had to travel to Thorne with only 11 players. However thanks to the Thorne Team Captain John Parkes they were able to loan us four players which meant a game could be played.

Whilst the score line suggest a one way affair Phoenix 2^nd s did put in a lot of effort and when they took the ball on in the forwards they did put together some good running phases courtesy of Veal and Fielding. Unfortunately when Thorne fly half Wayne Green got his hand on the balls he orchestrated his backs that allowed them to at times run through at will against the newly acquainted back partnership of Snow and Guns who would normally be more at home in the pack – Snowy did put in some storming inside centre runs courtesy of fly half Dave Millar.

Therefore credit to the lads who turned out but we really need a full compliment to ensure a healthy club!