Doncaster Phoenix 63 Keighley 15

With a weakened team and a number of players playing out of position this was always going to be a difficult fixture and so it proved.

Doncaster started strongly, however Keighley defended well and what possession they got was used well by outside half Danny McGee. A concerted forward drive led to the first score, although the Keighley forwards contained the initial Doncaster surge, captain Andy Ellis managed to drive over, outside half Ben Millar landed the conversion.

Keighley regained their composure and some clever work from Danny McGee and strong efforts from forwards Leigh Sugden and Steve Welsh took play into the opposition territory, the pressure gained a series of penalties one of which scrum half Olly Mitchell converted.

A loose kick out of defence was fielded by Keighley’s in form winger Sam Walker, attacking the line, he kicked ahead and won the race to touch down. Towards the end of the half the flood gates opened, Doncaster added two tries, from burly centre Jono Storey, and one for hooker Scot Plevey, Millar added both conversions.

The second half was a similar affair. Although Keighley worked hard, they were undone with another try for Storey who came through on a crash ball, Millar converted. Against the run of play Keighley’s Sam Walker snatched an interception on his own twenty two to race away to score under the posts, converted by Mitchell.

Keighley battled away and some hard running from new boy Sam Booker caused the Doncaster defence some concern. At this stage of the game Doncaster changed tack, working off a good foreword platform they moved the ball wide at every opportunity to expose the inexperience in the Keighley defensive back line. The outcome was four converted tries.

This Saturday Keighley entertain Wath upon Dearne.