Rugby union: Thornensians show spirit in defeat | Doncaster Phoenix want to track down players from 1970

Beaten just twice in their previous 15 league games, the West Yorkshire side made the early running but their efforts to move the ball along the line were stifled by some resolute defence.

It took a favourable bounce from a kick to help Pontefract open their account with an unconverted try in the corner by their right wing.

The visitors had the chance to peg three points back from a penalty but the kick fell just.

Pontefract elected to kick for territory rather than goal without any joy on a couple of occasions prior to opening up a 12-0 lead with a well-worked converted try from a scrum heel.

The home side again cashed in on a series of infringements by Thorne when scoring a second unconverted try to lead 17-0 at the break.

Playing down the slope in the second half Thorne, helped by an 8-3 penalty count in their favour, came more into the game and Pontefract rarely looked like adding to their tally.

In fact, Thorne came closest to scoring from a quickly-taken tap penalty.

Tempers flared after the unsighted referee disallowed the score and Thorne’s Adan Smith was sent off ten minutes from time for dissent.

Wheatley Hills remain rooted to the foot of the Yorkshire One table after going down 26-7 at home to Old Rishworthians.

Doncaster Phoenix’s Midlands Premier Division game at Bridgnorth was called off.

n In early preparation for the 50th anniversary of the foundation of Doncaster Phoenix, originally known as British Ropes and subsequently Bridon and Danum Phoenix, Allan MacGregor is trying to identify, and locate, the players who played for the club when it was first founded in 1970/71 as British Ropes based at Carr Hill.

“I am hoping to track down any match reports, team lists or photos from the 1970-1972 era,” said Allan, a well-known referee for many years and one of the founders of the club,

Anyone able to help should email Doncaster Knights media officer Michael Casey on [email protected].