REPORT | Dons 70 London Skolars 22

The Dons ended their 2022 regular season in emphatic style as they ran in twelve tries in a 70-22 win over the London Skolars at the Eco-Power Stadium.

Richard Horne’s side were trailing 22-12 at one stage but 10 unanswered tries saw them come away with the victory and two competition points.  

It was the Skolars who took the lead after three minutes with a kick from half-back Phil Lyon being picked up by Leighton Ball who touched down to make it 0-4.  

Jason Tali made sure that the Dons responded well creating space which enabled the ball to be shipped to Leon Ruan who passed through the visitors defence with ease. Connor Robinson’s conversion put the Dons ahead. 

The Skolars continued to find space with another grubber kick confusing the defence with Matthew Ross pouncing on the ball to give the visitors a lead with 15 minutes gone.  

Sustained pressure saw the third try for London with Anthony Cox making an impact from the bench going over from short range. 

Tali continued his good form by supporting a sidestep from Robinson sidestep to go score and reduct the deficit, before the end-to-end action continued with a fourth Skolars try from Lyon which left the Dons trailing by 10 points. 

That try seemed to bring the Dons to life and Tali grabbed another assist with a few minutes of the half remaining. He made a 20 metre break down the middle of the field and unselfishly found Misi Taulapapa on the inside who finished the move off. 

The Dons would then edge in front just before the half-time hooter. Ben Johnston created the space with a trademark break through the line, and gave the ball to captain Sam Smeaton who put his side ahead via a conversion from Robinson. 

Horne’s men started the second half as they’d ended the first with Smeaton going close before Travis Corion dived over in the corner to extend the lead. 

Fluid rugby league continued to be played by the Dons as they continued to put pressure on the Skolars line with Greg Burns making an inside pass from dummy half to Johnston who scuttled his way over after 54 minutes. 

Burns then went from provider to scorer when the hooker made a storming line break passing to Tali who then waited for Burns to make the run and collect the ball to score. 

The Dons continued to dominate with Aaron Ollett-Hobson, Sam Smeaton and Jack Sanderson finding the try line to make it 58-22 with a try by Ross Whitmore bringing 60 points up for Richard Horne’s side. 

Ben Johnston then crossed over for the Dons twelfth and final try of the afternoon on the hooter to secure the Dons a 70-22 victory.