RHC 2nd XI v Doncaster 4's

Before the match details we send our sincere condolences to umpire Steve Robinson, due to umpire this game but for the death of his brother-in-law earlier that morning - Steve, our thoughts are with Sue, you and your family.

The Mens' 2nd XI started the game with a squad of 12, which gradually reduced as the game unfolded (more to follow) and made a good start with balanced possession between the sides against a largely young and skillful Doncaster side.

RHC edged the 23 and circle entries however and forced a number of short corners, the first couple providing a sighter of Doncaster's defensive set up before Dave Bayliss took advantage of this with a strong, low drag flick which left 'keeper and postman with no chance.

The home side began to enjoy higher possession rates due to good and early ball transfer throughout the team with Bayliss and James Barnes making strong contributions.

Riley Ellis was lost to illness midway through H1, leaving the side at a bare 11 at this point but continued to edge the attacking play with some strong running across the forward line by Broadhead, Coombes and Harris.

Another PC later in the half saw Bayliss again hitting the backboard, this time straight through the keeper, with a powerful drag. HT 2-0.

Doncaster increased the press pressure in the 2nd half as they chased the game which resulted in a field goal coming from down the right channel, leaving keeper Busby with no chance, having made a number of strong clearances up to this point.

RHC dropped to 10 players as stand in umpire and Club Captain Lee Cooper had to leave (for a so-called more important game ;-) ) seeing Bayliss standing in with the whistle. One of a number of quick counteract breaks resulted in a PC that stand in striker Barnes took full advantage of with a strong drag flick of his own forcing its way between 'keeper and postman.

A hard-working 10-man team that defended strongly for the final 20 mins of the game conceded a couple of PC's in the closing stages, the last of which took a big deflection off no.1 runner Barnes leaving Busby with no chance.

The team survived the final 7 minutes with some strong defending from Gaynor, Austen and Lowey, the latter making his 2nd XI debut, supported by a hard-working midfield.