Goole 32 - 3 Doncaster Phoenix

Starting the game with a strong wind at their backs, Goole got off to a bright start as their big experienced forwards took the game to the visitors, blowing two early penalty chances before eventually getting off the mark with a penalty under the posts following a period of pressure.

Doncaster then enjoyed their best period of the game as they strung several quick phases together, eventually winning a penalty which winger Richard Greaves took to level the game at 3-3.

That was to be as good as things got for Phoenix though, as shortly afterwards second row Sam Canning-Birtles saw yellow following a warning from the referee. Goole took full advantage of the extra man – firstly adding a try in the corner following a poor kick out of defence by Doncaster Phoenix, and followed that up with a try from a 5m scrum by their number 8 and another penalty on the stroke of half time to go into the break with a 20-3 lead.

Turning round with the wind at their backs, Phoenix were confident of overturning the deficit, however after only 5 minutes the referee was the only man in the entire ground to spot an alleged kick by Greg Neill on his opposite number and brandished the red card to reduce Phoenix to 14 men for the remainder of the match.

Against a big Goole side fighting for their lives it was always going to be a struggle from then on in, and so it proved as the home team showed excellent ball retention skills to deny the visitors any meaningful possession for the remainder of the half, claiming two more tries in the process to run out deserved 32-3 winners on the day.

On the day a very disappointing loss for Doncaster Phoenix against the side currently bottom of the league – however full credit must go to Goole who may well claim a few more victories from the remaining matches this season. Phoenix meanwhile must regroup for what is sure to be another tough trip away to early season pacesetters Leodiensians in their rearranged game next week.