Phoenix entertained Yorkshire 3 side Heath in a lively encounter at Castle Park last Saturday with the higher side progressing through to the next round but not without stiff opposition from the home side and a gauge of what they need to do to progress to the next league.
The side was much changed from the previous week with several changes including: Kaihau, Douglas, French, May and Krence in the forwards and saw the return of Stewart at fly-half with Lowcock moving into centre for injured Ellis.
Doncaster kicked off and immediately won a penalty in front of the sticks however the impetuous Greenslade opted for the quick tap, which was snuffed out by the away defence on the wing.
With the initial impetus gained Phoenix kept up the pressure with the set looking steady and the forwards rucking the ball well to allow the backs to launch their forays. Heath were resilient in defence and were not allowing the home side to breach their line.
Having weathered the initial storm Heath then returned the sentiment and looked menacing when they spun the ball wide in their backs with the wingers looking menacing. Indeed it was the left-winger who bagged a brace with the combination of slick hands and naïve defence allowed him to round the flank for a 12-0 lead.
Phoenix finished the top on half and visibly rattled their higher status visitors with strong rucking, May making ground at Number 8 and for the first time this season the scrum took ball against the head after extra practise earlier in the week paying off.
The second half was to a certain extent a mirror of the first half with the visitors again just that division better increasing the lead with a further brace of tries through the no 8 and centre taking the winning tally of 24.
Phoenix again responded and their perseverance was rewarded with a cracking back try. After the forwards gained field position again with strong running from May and support in the ruck from the likes of Liddle and Tyrer. The ball was then spun to the right with Gray at full back coming in from the right wing to pop a pass around his back for Guest to touch down in the corner.
At the end of the day Phoenix were beaten by a side that reflected their league status but can be proud of a solid performance that should bode well for the coming weeks. |
