Doncaster Town ease relegation fears with vital win at Rotherham Town

Relegation-threatened Doncaster Town secured a vital win at rock bottom Rotherham Town to move 12 points clear of the ECB Yorkshire South Premier League drop zone.
Michael ToppMichael Topp
Michael Topp

Australian Michael Topp claimed a four-wicket haul to help Doncaster successfully defend a modest total of 137 and win by 29 runs at Clifton Lane.

The victory left win-less Rotherham rooted to the foot of the table and staring relegation to the South Yorkshire League Championship in the face.

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It also moved Doncaster 12 points clear of Treeton, who occupy the second relegation slot, after the Rotherham club lost to Barnsley.

Rotherham looked to be in the driving seat after winning the toss and electing to field in bowler-friendly conditions - and duly removing their local rivals for 130 all out in 30 overs.

The in-form Graeme Attenborough dug deep for Doncaster by making 43, while Alex Gosney (28) and skipper Luke Townsend (23) also made important contributions.

Muhammed Ilyas was the pick of the home side’s attack, claiming 4-36 from nine overs.

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At 80-4, and with Scott Hibbett set, Rotherham appeared to be on course for their first league win of the season.

However, after Hibbett (43) became one of Topp’s four victims, the home side collapsed and lost their last six wickets for 28 runs.

Topp finished with 4-32 from eight overs, while Attenborough and Will Street chipped in with two wickets apiece.

Doncaster host Wickersley Old Village on Saturday (noon).

Leaders Wakefield Thornes are 18 points clear at the top following their win against Whitley Hall.