Following an opening bout of ‘kick-tennis’ it was the visitors who struck the first blow, as a period of pressure resulted in a 5 metre scrum. Phoenix set the tone for the day as they absolutely demolished the West Leeds scrum to power over from 5 metres (amendment R.Peacey 24.4.13) to allow number 8 Ryan Peacey to touch down for a converted try. West Leeds though responded strongly, and as Phoenix failed to clear their lines a penalty gave the home kicker a simple shot at goal to cut the deficit to 7 – 3.
The following 15 minutes was fairly even, however it was Phoenix who were the next to trouble the score board operator. A strong break by flanker Nick Byrne was followed up by winger Carey Thomas who was held just short but got an offload away to captain Andy Ellis to barrel over near the posts. Dan Storey added the extras as he showed it’s just Skipton he doesn’t like to kick points against.
Once again West Leeds responded strongly, however good defence by Phoenix meant they finished the half with just one more penalty to their name to leave the half time score at 14 – 6.
Turning around with the wind at their backs, Phoenix dominated the second half of the game. Full-back Richard Greaves was the next on the score sheet as he finished off some nice handling to jink his way over from 30 yards. A trademark lineout catch & drive handed Ryan Peacey his second, and fly-half Dan Storey added the sixth of the afternoon from close range. All were converted for a scoreline of 35 – 6.
Doncaster Phoenix continued to dominate possession for the final 10 minutes – with one brief break in play as second row Sam Canning-Birtles received some treatment from physio Lowcock after being floored by a haymaker from West Leeds scrum half Harry Potter’s dad, who took umbrance at Birtles’ bullying of his much smaller opponent.
It was Peacey who would have the last say of the afternoon, as yet another driving maul handed him his 36th try of the season, converted by Storey for a final score of 42 – 6.
Next week sees the final game of the season as Phoenix play the biggest league match in their history, hosting second place Selby in a winner takes all game for the Yorkshire 2 title.
The pre-match dinner is still going ahead – please contact the Phoenix line on 07712 885 416 for more information.
# | Team | Pl | Pts |
1. | Selby | 26 | 110 |
2. | Doncaster Phoenix | 26 | 109 |
3. | Yarnbury | 26 | 98 |
4. | Sheffield Medicals | 26 | 87 |
5. | Bradford Salem | 26 | 79 |
6. | West Leeds | 26 | 72 |
7. | Hullensians | 25 | 69 |