Doncaster Rugby Club

Doncaster Dragons 15 -v- 12 Harrogate Pirates

Following the previous week’s unexpected 39 – 31 victory over Doncaster Phoenix 2nds the Dragons entertained Harrogate Pirates. In a match sponsored by CC Foods Ltd, Units 2/4 Huntingdon Court, Huntingdon Way, Westminster Industrial Estate, Swadlingcote, DE12 7DS, Telephone 01530 273333, manufacturers of quality pies and pastries to the catering trade, the Dragons took on a Pirates side that differed dramatically from the team that we endured two physically arduous games against last season. Dramatically in the sense that they only turned up with 12 players this time, compared to the full amount last year.

The Dragons commenced their now customary pre match warm up. The pack attempting what can only be loosely described as ‘line outs’, and the backs walking about, hands in pockets, smoking fags and laughing at Howard Potts’ shorts. It was noted that Howard must have visions of playing on a higher stage as the ones he was wearing were emblazoned with the Doncaster Knights logo!! Howard, let me assure you, wearing the shorts is about as close as you are going to get.

The late arrival of Glenn Storey, who abandoned his Vespa Scooter in the car park, running straight onto the pitch and forgetting to take his helmet off, caused much amusement for the amassed throng.

Boosted to a full compliment by several young, fit, good looking Doncaster Phoenix players, as well as Tom Christie, Gate emerged from the training rooms looking determined.

After the pre match lecture talk from the Referee the game commenced in somewhat blustery conditions. One could sense the excitement in the watching masses, either that or all three were arguing over who’s round it was.

The gargantuan Dragons pack, led by Drew Noble, initially struggled in the tight but as the half progressed they established supremacy, allowing the backs to cause problems for the Gate defence. After a ferocious rolling maul, space was created for Tom Bottomley to dart over for the first try of the game. As expected, Malton missed the conversion from close range.

It was at this point that the Dragons decided to question the Referee’s interpretation of the new laws, somewhat unsuccessfully as he constantly marched us back to the tune of 80 yards. From such a misdemeanour Harrogate scored their opening try of the game. Despite the Referee clearly shouting “No quick tap”, a quick tap was taken. The Dragons defence did a fantastic impersonation of Easter Island statues and let the Harrogate stand off waltz through almost un-opposed.

The Dragons struck back almost immediately, with Yamazota Storey, the Dragons new Japanese centre, flicking a fingertip pass to Ellis who did some sort of soft shoe shuffle, creating space, then off loading 3 yards from the line to the supporting Noble, most unselfish of him. When questioned about this generous act, Ellis stated, “I just wanted Nobby to bet booed by the crowd”. They duly obliged. Malton’s conversion attempt was lamentable.

The second half mirrored the first half, with the Dragons having the initiative but when in a good position were penalised then continually marched back due to indiscipline.

Somewhat against the run of play Harrogate then took the lead when, from a lineout on the Dragons 22, a flanker burst clear and ran unopposed to the post. The conversion was successful giving Gate a 12-10 lead.

With 5 minutes to go and the game drifting away from The Dragons, by the backs broke down the right hand side and good inter-passing between Yamazota, Ellis and Bottomley Jnr set up a scrum 5 yards out. Noble picked up from No.8 to set up a maul that was driven over the line. Millar emerged from the pile of bodies to claim the winning score, ripping the ball from Noble’s grasp. Noble immediately rang the local Police to report the theft of a try. Malton’s final conversion attempt was the worst of the lot – verging on pathetic.

So a hard fought victory pleased Manager Thomas who was later heard to say over a glass or two of light ale, “Whoever said ‘Its not the winning or losing that counts’ must have lost”.

On Saturday the Dragons have a very tough fixture at home to an open aged Sandal XV. THIS GAME WILL BE PLAYED AT CASTLE PARK

The Enigma