REPORT | Dons 18 Sheffield Eagles 36

The Dons produced a battling display but were beaten 36-18 by Sheffield Eagles in the South Yorkshire Cup.

Both sides fielded a number of off-season recruits, with Richard Horne handing debuts to the likes of Harry Carter, Sam Smeaton and Jack Logan.

The Eagles got off to the better start and had the first points of the game when Greg Burns went over from dummy-half following a strong run from forward Rory Burns.

They extended their lead three minutes later, as full-back Josh Guzdek got an offload away for the onrushing Aaron Brown, and he had the simplest of tasks in touching down next to the posts.

That sparked the Dons into life and they got on the board with a quarter of the game gone, as Carter went over on his first appearance for his new side after joining from York City Knights. 

Richard Horne’s side levelled the scores when half-back Rangi Chase somehow got the ball away while under severe pressure from two Sheffield defenders - that put Brad England through a gap and he made no mistake.

The only real moment of note in the remaining minutes of the opening 40 saw Watson Boas sent to the sin-bin for a high tackle.

After a cagey opening to the second period, the Eagles regained the lead when Mariano had too much strength from close range and went over to score against his old club.

The Dons replied within four minutes though and Chase was again the architect. The former Man of Steel dummied himself into space down the right and found Boas in space on the inside to race over. Kieron Lawton’s successful conversion put the home side in front for the first time.

The Eagles scored arguably the most important try of the game with 12 minutes left on the clock. McComb received the ball 10 metres out and wriggled his way over.

Josh Guzdek extended the lead two minutes later after going over following good work from Izaac Farrell, before McComb sealed the win with his second late on.

There was still time for more gloss to be added, as Rob Worrincy sprinted through un-opposed to score under the posts in the final minute.

Tickets for the Dons' next pre-season friendly against Wakefield Trinity reserves on Friday January 24 are available from tickets.clubdoncaster.co.uk.