REPORT | Doncaster RLFC 48 Midlands Hurricanes 20

The Dons kicked off their Betfred League One campaign with a decisive victory over Midlands Hurricanes at the Eco-Power Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The visitors got off to a good start after Ben Hardcastle was able to break through the Dons’ defence and score the first try of the match in the second minute. He followed up with the conversion. 

Just minutes later Dean Roberts was sent to the sinbin for an off the ball tackle in front of the sticks to leave the Dons a man down. Hardcastle took the penalty to extend the Hurricanes’ lead to 0-8 in the 5th minute. 

Another penalty in front of the posts in the 13th minute was again put away by Hardcastle to give the visitors a 10-point lead. 

The Dons were able to strike back in the 17th minute as Jason Tali drove over the line to get the scoreboard up and running for his side. Conor Robinson converted to make it 6-10.  

Tali scored again in almost the exact same spot minutes later to give the Dons the lead. Robison converted.  

Robinson was next to break through the Hurricanes defences, scoring in the left corner after a good period of pressure for the Dons. He followed up with the conversion to make it 18-10 ten minutes before the halftime break.  

Both sides lost a player to the sinbin in the 31st minute following a scuffle which broke out on the halfway line. Hardcastle went off for the Hurricanes and Leon Ruan for the Dons.  

Philip Cowburn found space on the right wing to score for the visitors in the 34th minute but Ben Stead’s conversion attempt hit the post leaving the score line at 18-14.  

The Hurricanes found themselves down to 11 men moments before the halftime whistle blew as Tyler Walton was sent to the bin for a high tackle on Sam Smeaton.  

Tries began to flow for the Dons after the break as Misi Taulapapa spun off two players to score in the 41st minute, followed by Aaron Ollett-Hobson two minutes later who took advantage of a superb box kick from Robsinson to make the score line 30-14.  

Ben Johnston added another in the 48th minute and Jack Sanderson brought the score line to 42-14 in the 53rd minute. Robinson had a fantastic day with the boot to convert all tries.  

The visitors struck back in the 60th minute as Sean Croston just got the ball down in the right corner and Hardcastle converted to make the score line 42-20.  

Leon Ruan responded immediately to extend the Dons’ lead to 28 points in the 63rd minute. Robinson again converted.   

The score line remained at 48-20 for the rest of the half with both sides having half chances to add to their total but neither were able to get over the line.  

It was a fantastic way for the Dons to start their Betfred League One campaign with a decisive win, Richard Horne’s side will travel to Keighley next Sunday to face the Cougars.