Doncaster Phoenix made to work hard for 35-31 win at Broadstreet

The opening interchanges were evenly-matched with Phoenix failing to take a quick lead when fly-half Will Burden missed an early penalty.

This was further compounded by a home penalty which was converted.

The hosts were soon 10-0 up with half an hour on the clock.

The next ten minutes of the half were all Phoenix with Burden knocking over a brace of penalties to narrow the gap to 10-6.

The referee then gifted - much to everyone's surprise - a further ten minutes in the first half which allowed the dominating Doncaster pack to make yards getting ever closer and flanker Chris Donk went over for a try converted by Burden for a 13-10 lead at the break.

That was Donk’s second try in consecutive games and followed up a score at the same ground last season.

Early in the second half Phoenix added to their lead - helped by two home yellow cards and with their forwards in disarray - allowing flanker Will Taylor and winger James Wright to increase the gap.

Burden added the extras on both occasions to duly make it 25-10.

As has been the case too often this term, Phoenix could not hold out the opposition as the hosts responded with a converted try.

Phoenix then thought they had secured the win with Burden storming over and running under the posts to make it 32-17.

The hosts then rallied and came within one point - 32-31 - with just four minutes remaining.

Phoenix relieved the pressure as a Burden penalty gave them a four-point buffer and they held on.

This Saturday Phoenix host Bromsgrove in their first-ever fixture against the Worcestershire outfit (2.15pm).