Doncaster RLFC: Thornton keen for improvement despite four wins from five

Doncaster RLFC boss Gary Thornton was more interested in reflecting on Sunday's fourth round Challenge Cup win over the University of Gloucestershire All Golds than looking ahead to the fifth round at last night's training session.
Gary ThorntonGary Thornton
Gary Thornton

Despite the excitement of being paired with Super League giants Leeds Rhinos at Headingley in yesterday morning’s draw, Thornton focused on learning the lessons from the 48-22 win on pitch 2.

“I supposed we should be pleased to have scored nearly 50 points and won by the margin we did,” he told The Star. “But because of the standards we have set ourselves this year we were a little disappointed.

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“There is still more to come in attack - though it probably didn’t help having to adapt our game because of the tighter pitch. It was also very windy which didn’t help.”

Thornton also spoke last night of the need to meet the defensive standards laid down every week.

“I was disappointed that we let them in for a couple of soft tries in the closing minutes of the first half so that’s something we need to look at in training this week,” he said.

Thornton said the game highlighted the fact that there would be few, if any, easy games this season.

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“We go down there on the last day of the season and it’s going to be tough,” he said.

“I think the teams who have joined the league in recent years are getting better and League One is certainly getting tougher every year.

“Lee Greenwood is an experienced coach and he has put together a good side. Where sides like them perhaps struggle at the moment is their lack of bench strength.”