REPORT | Dons 30 Widnes 14

After thumping Batley Bulldogs on the road last week, Doncaster RLFC returned to the Eco-Power Stadium on Sunday for the final time in 2024, hosting fourth-placed Widnes Vikings.

Hosting the Cheshire outfit that had already beaten them twice this season, the Dons were looking to end their home campaign with a bang that they did, defeating Widnes 30-14 to take their points tally to 23 with just two Betfred Championship rounds to go. 

It was a perfect start for Richard Horne's men, who built their platform early. Four minitues into the contest, Craig Hall's bomb was dropped by Lloyd Roby, and the loose ball landed in the hands of Reece Lyne who was on hand to get the contest's opening score. The Dons would extend their lead before the ten-minute mark. However, it was only by two points as Connor Robinson nailed a penalty from 40m out after the Vikings were pinged for offside. 

Controlling every aspect of the clash early on, Suaia Matagi and Pauli Pauli combined to break through Widnes' line before Pauli found Connor Robbo on his outside shoulder. The Dons halfback was instrumental in creating and finishing the try after forcing an error from Widnes in the following set. 

The Dons should have scored again before the break. However, the weather played its part in Alex Sutcliffe slipping whilst doing extremely well to take Boas' pass, but couldn't keep hold of the ball as he tried to glide over.

Widnes finished the half on a high, Tom Gilmore earned a penalty in the dying seconds, and with the rain pouring down, the Vikings opted to take the two on offer. Gilmore nailed the kick, as the Dons went into the sheds leading 14-2.  

After the Vikings landed a penalty bringing it back to a two-score game, the first try of the second half was vital. Thankfully, it went to the Dons. Ben Johnston, back from injury, combined with Craig Hall, who found Luke Briscoe outwide, as the winger jinked inside to step three wouldbe Vikings defenders to touchdown. CR7 kept his 100% record with the boot intact, swining the pendulum back in the hosts' favour. 

Widnes wouldn't go down without a fight. Halfback Tom Gilmore led from the front, kicking into the gloomy sky, and was on hand to score from his kick after Craig Hall couldn't collect. Still in control, the Dons were handed a blow to keep them on their toes as we headed into the final quarter. 

Connor Robinson took some pressure away from Horne's men, when he made it a three-score game again after landing another penalty from long-range. With time agaist them, the Vikings threw caution to the wind in both attack and defence. However, their agressive nature without the ball saw Matty Fleming shown a yellow card for a high shot on Luke Briscoe. The Dons in control on the scoreboard, and now had a numerical advantage as the game entered its' twilight stages. 

However, down on troops, the Vikings managed to create an overlap out wide, finished off by Ryan Ince in the corner. Game on with less than 10 on the clock. Bureta Fariamo got on the scoresheet before the hooter, after the Dons created space outwide, much to the delight of the home fans. Widnes threw the kitchen sink at the Dons in the final stages, but Horne's men held firm to record a famous win, and finish their time at the Eco-Power for another year on a high. Final score, Dons 30:14 Vikings. 

Up next for the Dons is a trip to Greater Manchester to face Swinton Lions at Heywood Road, before heading to Super League bound Wakefield Trinty on the final day of the regular season. 

Doncaster RLFC

Craig Hall, Luke Briscoe, Reece Lyne, Brad Hey, Bureta Faraimo, Watson Boas, Connor Robinson, Brad Knowles, Greg Burns, Suaia Matagi, Alex Sutcliffe, Pauli Pauli, AJ Wallace

Bench: Ben Johnston, Sam Smeaton, Brett Ferres, Lewis Baxter

Tries: Lyne, Robinson, Briscoe, Faraimo

Conversions: Robinson 7/7

Widnes Vikings

Lloyd Roby, Mike Butt, Jack Owens, Matt Fleming, Ryan Ince, Joe Lyons, Tom Gilmore, Liam Kirk, Matty Fozard, Dan Murray, Rhodri Llyod, Shane Grady, Liam Bent

Bench: Sam Brooks, Max Roberts, Lucas Green, Ryan Lannon

Tries: Gilmore, Ince

Conversions: Gilmore 3/3