Report | Dons 24 Thornhill Trojans 6

The Dons progressed to the third round of the 2022 Betfred Challenge Cup after a solid 24-6 victory against Thornhill Trojans at the Eco-Power Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

After their first pre-season run out against Castleford Tigers last weekend, the Dons registered their first competitive win of the new season against the Trojans.

Ben Johnston got the Dons off to a flyer, finding his way through the Trojans defence in just the sixth minute, with Connor Robinson doing the honours to convert and give the Dons a 6-0 lead. 

Thornhill forward Sam Ratcliffe then found space down the centre to get the ball over the line, but it was quickly brought back for offside to leave the Trojans still searching for their first points of the match. 

Misi Taulapapa responded immediately with a good run down the middle of the pitch to put the Dons 12-0 up going into half-time. 

In the opening stages of the second half the Dons defended well against some sustained pressure, holding the ball up on the line three times before clearing it up the field. 

Johnston then continued an impressive individual performance with a weaving run down the right before offloading to Aaron York to give the Dons their third try before Greg Burns dived over the line from close range for his first Dons try in the 61st minute. Robinson converted both scores to make it 24-0. 

A high challenge on the Trojans line meant Travis Corrion was sent to the sinbin with fifteen minutes left on the clock. 

Thornhill’s Harry Woollard then gave his side something to cheer late on as he chased his own kick down the field to put the Trojans on the board in the 72nd minute. 

There was some late drama as Ratcliffe was sent off in the last minute of the game for a high challenge and Zac Braham received a yellow card for his reaction to the challenge.