Hullensians V Doncaster Phoenix
This weekend Doncaster Phoenix went away to undefeated, top of the league Hullensians. After narrow losses in recent weeks, Phoenix was determined to pull off an upset at a ground where historically we have not played well.
Changes to the side this week included Smith in for Taylor at seven, Miller returning from injury at nine and Captain Longworth back after two weeks at a rodeo competition in Texas. There was one other late change when centre Greenslade realised he could no longer get his boots on due to too many steaks and glasses of red wine so Lowcock returned.
The game started with the home side applying much of the pressure, but the defence was fantastic. The pack worked well as a unit to counter the Hullensians very capable rolling maul and both Burton and Elliot covered well on the wings. After twenty minutes of constant pressure Hullensians decided to kick a penalty taking the first score of the game. From a Phoenix point of view it was a boost. We had shown for a quarter of the game that we could cover everything they had. They tried to maul us, they tried to break through the centres and they tried to chip in behind us, but everyone was playing well as a team, a complete unit. Led of course by Longworth with the bit between his teeth and foaming at the mouth.
From the kick off Phoenix quickly turned over possession and started to pressure the Hullensians line. A little imagination by Pablo Miller, by chipping over the defence, got Phoenix a scrum five yards out. Unfortunately, Phoenix lost the scrum against the head, (flog him Dave) allowing the defence to clear their lines. But Phoenix came back, from a scrum Mr Consistency Germain made some good yards, followed by a trundle by Atkinson which tied up the Hullensians forwards, this allowed our cardigan wearing, carpet carrying centre Ceri to run at the tiny ten and flop over from about half a yard. But I am sure he will tell all of his hosepipe wielding buddies that it was actually a twenty five yard very well finished try. Also, I have noticed that Ceri runs like a speed skater with his stiff arms swinging from either side Gorilla-esque.
The half finished with Phoenix in the lead 7-3 and in a very good frame of mind. We had taken a lot of pressure and also come away with a score of our own. Coach Senior ensured that we did not lose focus during the half time period with some of his usual firm words, which he carried on with after the game, the new Mr Budweiser.
Unfortunately, Phoenix were caught napping at the start of the second half, a little chip into the corner and a kind bounce allowed the opposition winger to collect and score in the corner. Phoenix was down 8-7 five minutes into the second half. Majority of the second half was then played around the half way line with both sides enjoying periods of possession and also enjoying a lot of turnovers. Eventually with around ten minutes to go Phoenix got a penalty just outside the home sides twenty two which Pablo Miller knocked over comfortably. Phoenix was in front 10-8.
Just like any good side would do when you are within a score and in the last ten minutes of the game, you go all out to get the match winning try, penalty or drop goal. Phoenix knew that they had to stop all pressure on their line and give away no penalties. Our defence was fantastic, for the last ten minutes there was no miss tackles and no silly penalties from one through to fifteen. We even managed to turn over possession and get out of our twenty two. Elliot knowing it was the last play then tried to kick the ball in to touch for victory, but to keep everyone on the edge of their seats he sliced it behind him to younger brother Tom who got it into touch. I’m sure they practiced this in fathers meadow.
Overall, an almost eighty minute brilliant performance by Phoenix, even Dave Townend managed a smile after the game. A fantastic team performance, with great defence by the backs and the forwards very solid throughout. Tom Elliot defended especially well on his wing and Miller controlled well at nine. But in the end the Hullensian fire was doused by a big lad who wears a cardigan. Cerrified. |
