The make up of the 18 man squad was much the same as the week previous but with the notable additions of Hooker Scott Plevey who replaced Dan Horrocks and player coach Ryan Peacey who replaced Oli Clarke at number 8.

Phoenix made an encouraging start playing simple but effective rugby, the back row making strong carries through the midfield despite some aggressive West Park defence. An excellent passage of play looked to have brought an early reward but an over lap on the right wing could not be exploited. Phoenix didn’t have to wait long however as on 10 minutes Peacey marked his debut with a try, peeling off the back of a maul to dot down in the corner. 0-5

West Park were quick to respond with an effort which was to quickly become a worrying theme throughout the game. A poor defensive kick from Phoenix went straight down the middle of the field and was easily fielded by the assured home team winger who sped forward beating a couple of isolated Phoenix defenders to send full back, Cromack, in for an unconverted try. 5-5

The game continued in a similar vein with Phoenix seemingly well in control. With an overlap engineered in the home 22 a try again seemed a certainty, Sheehan freeing himself from a tackle looked to offload to a team mate to complete the score however Parks flying wing man, Booth, anticipated the pass intercepted and went 95 metres giving his side the lead. 12-5.

West Park followed this with a further try, this time after good work by their backrow it was the hooker Storey who broke around the fringes of a ruck to score beneath the posts. 17-5

Phoenix fought back and closed the lead courtesy of a second from Ryan Peacey who span out of the tackle to score on the left and take his men into half time down 17 points to 10.

Despite being on the wrong end of the score Phoenix had played some good rugby in the 1st 40 minutes and for the most part seemed to be in control only letting themselves down with unforced errors gifting their opponents opportunities which they were well equipped to exploit.

Phoenix were 1st to score in the 2nd period despite West Park coming out much stronger and enjoying their best spell of the match. Having turned down a couple of kickable penalties the pressure was on to deliver and deliver they did. From a lineout in the 22 and numerous phases full back Craig Deakin powered through a couple of attempted tackles to score an unconverted try. 17-15

With 70 minutes on the clock and the game in the balance Phoenix kicked on and again played some powerful attacking rugby led from the front by Byrne, Lowckock, Sheehan and Peacey and ably assisted by Ellis from inside centre. Once again Phoenix turned down a penalty shot in favour of the lineout. This resulted in flanker Ade Sheehan forcing his way over through the midfield to regain the lead and snatch the 4 try bonus point for his side. 17-22.

Moments later Craig Deakin completed his brace and in turn securing the win. 17-27

West Park Leeds however had the final say as they snatched 2 bonus points of their own courtesy of a fine long range effort by their dangerous back 3 finished by substitute Towler.

Final Score WPL 24 – 27 Doncaster Phoenix

An entertaining match for the neutral (not that there was any!) with both sides playing some excellent attacking rugby. West Park through their pacey backs were always a threat but Phoenix will feel this game could and should have been put to bed well before the 70 minute mark.

In summary this was a much improved performance however the coaching team will be well aware that there is plenty to work on most notably securing field position and cutting out the gifts to the opposition back 3. If Phoenix can do this they will be a test for most this year.

Next Week Phoenix takes on another Leeds side, Yarnbury, at home. Kick off is at 3pm