Doncaster RLFC: Thornton wary of Super 8s '˜dark horses' Barrow's threat

Dons boss Gary Thornton is under no illusions as to how tough Sunday's League One Super 8s clash against Barrow Raiders at the Keepmoat Stadium will be.
Gary ThorntonGary Thornton
Gary Thornton

“I think that they are the best side we've played this season and I think they could be the dark horses,” he said.

Whilst the Dons were kicking their heels at the the weekend, fifth-placed Barrow romped to a big win over second-placed Rochdale - who had beaten the South Yorkshire side 21-8 at Spotland a fortnight earlier in the last game of the regular season.

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“The result didn't surprise me because I was very impressed when we played them at the Keepmoat earlier in the season,” said Thornton.

“I know they've had some bad results but I always thought they'd be tough to beat up there and I'm certainly pleased we've got them at home again.”

Although the win saw the Cumbrians edge the Dons out of the top four, Thornton claimed it boosted their hopes of pipping Hornets for second spot.

Thornton took advantage of the Dons being without a game on Sunday to take in the Hunslet-London Skolars clash at the South Leeds Stadium where the Dons will travel next weekend.

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“It was worth going to watch as it gave me the chance to look at two teams we've got to play,” he said.

“They were two committed teams but it was a scrappy affair. Hunslet played well in parts and passed the ball about but their defence let them down at times,

“But they are a hard side to beat on their own ground - it's a narrow pitch and they play it well - so it'll be another tough game for us when we go there.

“But we've played well in the pressure games this year.”