DONCASTER A 7 - 10 TITANS A

Posted: 09/09/2009

West penalty the difference in a good Titans A performance

Doncaster Knights A 7 10 Rotherham Titans A

The A team season got off to a perfect start with a fine win at Doncaster. A perfect pitch, fine conditions and a good crowd were treated to some passionate if at times disjointed rugby.

Though the score was close Rotherham were dominant at the breakdown and had the lion's share of possession and can be delighted with the commitment and passion showed by all. It was an ideal opportunity to involve talented players from local clubs who all played their part from the bench.

An early penalty was missed by Doncaster during a frenetic start, this was followed by a period of Rotherham dominance when Ryan Burrows sprinted the length of the field only to be tackled in the corner. Shortly after, from a five-meter scrum, Ryan barged over and the try was converted by Jonny West.

The rest of the half saw Rotherham dominate possession but create few scoring opportunities. In injury time Rotherham were caught napping when Ali Warnock took a quick tap feeding Du Rant who scored, Warnock converted to make it 7-7 at half time.

More of the same was required in the second half and Rotherham came out and once again looked to dominate. Jonny Wests ability to hit the upright was uncanny but he eventually made it 10-7 with a well struck penalty.

Rotherham infringed at the breakdown giving away numerous holding penalties but Doncaster were unable to take any advantage. In the final quarter the local club players were given an opportunity to shine and did not disappoint with Jon Ball, Anthony Barrett, Ross Hayden, Ben Harris, Brendon Angel and Anthony Ross all acquitting themselves well.

A team and Academy coach Tony Price summarised the match

"An outstanding first run particularly in defence and at the breakdown but lots to work on. It is early days and we will work on improving our attacking options and converting pressure into points. This was a very strong Doncaster side which included Stuart Corsar and other former Titan players which made the win all the sweeter."

Rotherham Team: Farmer, Coulbeck, Allen, Bray, Stimpson, West, Rhodes, Jenkins, Quigley, Maycock, Challinor, Dickinson, Kleeberger, Wade, Burrows. Subs Ball, Barrett, Angel, Harris, Ross, Hayden

Doncaster Team: W Du Rant, S Slingsby, B Armitage, S McColl, J Wood, A Warnock, W Robinson, S Corsar, T Doughty, L Thiede, J Brady, J Makin, M Lowcock, S Onesi, D Smith.
Subs: M Ward, S Pitcher, J Barrow, E White, C Mackenzie, D Scully, J Wright.