Doncaster Phoenix 61 Skipton 5

Second-bottom Skipton had only 14 players as they took on high-flying Doncaster Phoenix in their lavish 15,000 capacity ground.

A combination of injuries and mis-read e-mails resulted in them being short of players. It was a combination which was to heighten their discomfort.

A rampant Doncaster scored eight tries in the first half to Skipton’s one which from centre Sam Harrison.

After the break the over-confident Doncaster side could not break the fight in the Skipton ranks until the 60th minute when they scored wide out.

In the final five minutes Doncaster scored another two tries to make the final score 61-5.

The tale of the game was not in the final score but of Skipton’s endeavour to take on the big and strong Doncaster side in all departments.

Their depleted side was further weakened in the final quarter when prop Chris Lambert sustained an eye while hooker Mark Dutton was suffering from an earlier head injury.

Despite the setback the team certainly stood up to be counted in the second half.

Outstanding in the backs were Sam Harrison, Jonny Moore and scrum half Shaun Barraclough.

In the pack special mention must go to both injured players Dutton and Lambert as well as Rick Willsher and junior Jordan Wilson, all four came off the field with injuries.

The crowd also gave Skipton a great round of applause for their sterling effort.

This week’s game is at home to bottom club Castleford and hopefully Skipton can gain a win.