Yarnbury 5 Doncaster Phoenix 50

YARNBURY were without three of their most influential players as they suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of the runaway league leaders.

Captain Oliver Cashman, stand off Carl Patterson and second row Ian Maycock were all missing so James Barratt led the side with the ever-reliable Steven Riley taking the number ten shirt and Greg Trencher starting in the second row.

The early signs were encouraging with the the home side exerting early pressure and taking a scrum against the head.

The good start was spoilt when a loose pass was snapped up by the Doncaster defence and a 60-metre breakout led to a try by centre Tom Battye.

Yarnbury responded to the setback with a try of their own. Superb handling by the backs saw Ellis Gomersall burst down his wing and score in the corner.

Both sides spent the next 15 minutes searching for the gaps but strong tackling and astute kicking prevented any scoring opportunities.

A line-out close to the home try line led to catch and drive by the Doncaster pack. The defence held until the ball squirted out of the maul to prop Tom Bagnall who plunged over from short range. Dan Storey added the extras.

Doncaster extended their lead when a flowing backs move led to a fine try by the the supporting full back Craig Deakin.

Yarnbury were now faced with a side who were growing in confidence but for the rest of the half they contained Doncaster with a display of tackling that bordered on the heroic.

The second half was just ten minutes old when Doncaster secured their next score. Flanker Ryan Peacey made the line after another display of close support and aggressive driving mauls.

Doncaster maintained the pressure and scored again. A scrum 30 metres out saw a break by the back row. Their close support play which led to a try by openside flanker Ben Hyde. Storey added the extras.

Yarnbury lost Jimmy Cryan after 65 minutes to a yellow card for a technical offence which gave Doncaster a lot of space to exploit their pace and power.

Yarnbury’s disrupted scrum could not cope with the visiting eight who provided clean ball for centre Andy Ellis to score. Storey again added the extras.

Doncaster continued to apply pressure throughout the final ten minutes and this led to tries by prop JoeLowcock and his front row partner Andy Fraser.

After a promising start Yarnbury were ground down by the unbeaten visitors who have romped through the league this season with their mix of experienced former Doncaster Knights players and keen youngsters.

The home side can be proud of the courage and commitment they showed in the face of daunting opposition.

Yarnbury again put out four senior sides and senior and junior colts at the weekend. Special mention must go to Yarnbury's young third string who have won their league and are unbeaten in 18 games. Their latest win was a 38-0 triumph at West Park thirds.