Rugby union round-up: Tough going for Doncaster Phoenix and Wheatley Hills

Phoenix made an encouraging start, taking an early 14-3 lead, and were still in with a shout at half time as Sandal turned round 27-14 ahead.

After conceding a penalty goal in the first three minutes, the visitors edged in front when hooker Alex Keeton crashed over for a try which fly-half Ben Miller converted.

Five minutes later, captain for the day Andy Ellis raced over between the posts to give Miller an easy task with the kick, putting them 14-3 up with 13 minutes on the clock despite playing against the stiff wind.

But Sandal, thanks mainly to their quicker backs, gradually got back into the game and eventually ran in nine tries. Phoenix went close at times in the second half but couldn’t get over the line.

Wheatley Hills are finding life even tougher in North One East and are still looking for their first win following a 53-0 rout at Malton and Norton.

Malton, who were promoted from Yorkshire One at the end of last season, have also struggled with the higher standard but turned in one of their best displays so far to run in eight tries.

Thornensians slipped up 33-16 in their Yorkshire Two match against lower placed Old Crossleyans at Halifax.

Thorne trailed 21-6 at the break. Second half tries from winger Luke Marsden and back row Scott Berry gave the visitors some consolation.

Winger Nathan Beale, new to the side, showed encouraging signs on an overall disappointing day.

Wath on Dearne were hammered 50-10 in their clash with runaway leaders Moortown at Leeds.

Rossington Hornets went down 40-10 in Yorkshire Five at South Yorkshire rivals Sheffield Oaks.