Doncaster Phoenix 29 North Ribblesdale 13
A PHYSICALLY imposing Doncaster side claimed an emphatic win over a spirited but much-changed Ribblesdale outfit.
The hosts scored three tries in the forwards and two in the backs, while Ribblesdale claimed an excellent try out of defence when Simon Bolland went over and Jonathan Richards converted and kicked two penalties.
The encounter was like the Shield game a fortnight earlier, with the same referee and rock-hard pitch.
Doncaster’s most potent weapon, the rolling maul from the line-out, led to them scoring three tries while their other two came from sheer pressure.
Ribb’s front-up tackling and defensive line speed was impressive and they were in the game at half-time within a score.
Their line-out operated well and the scrum was solid, with Chris Lambert on debut giving his much bigger prop a hard time.
In fact the scrum punched well above their weight and gave Ribb a valuable platform.
But Doncaster sealed the game in the last 20 minutes as Ribb tired and will be a hard side to beat.
Ribb are playing well with a light pack and have a big injury list, but there are ample reserves with a second team which is winning games at a canter right now.
The guests at the pre-match lunch this week will be aware that a home clash with Hullensians will not be a walkover as there are several players missing and it will take a big effort to claim the win.
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