Rugby league: Dons tee up money-spinning Challenge Cup tie against Super League side

A tie which many Doncaster fans will have thought offered their side a comfortable passage into the next round when the draw was made last month, proved anything but and the result of what was a cracking contest was in the balance until the final whistle.

Boosted by a number of loan players as a result of their link-up with Super League newcomers York Knights, and new signings, Thunder bore no resemblance to the side which finished bottom of League One last season.

Despite some impressive individual performances, including the likes of Pauli Pauli, Luis Johnson, Tom Holmes, Connor Robinson and Reece Lyne, the Dons’ performance dipped slightly below that of the fine win over Halifax last time out and they will have to raise their game against the Tigers if they are to entertain any hopes of a cup upset.

Thunder took a deserved the lead on 14 minutes. Winger Andy Djeukessi intercepted a pass in his own 20 and he never looked like being caught on an 80m run to the line for a converted try. Prop Ryan Jackson rewarded a further spell of pressure when crashing over from close range for 21st minute try to leave the Dons trailing 10-0.

The Dons opened their account on 25 minutes when skipper Corey Aston set up the chance for second-rower Johnson to touch down near enough for half-back partner Robinson to convert.

The Dons edged in front at 12-10 when Pauli, who proved a handful during his two spells, charged over in spectacular style from a tap penalty near enough for Robinson to convert.

Robinson then played his part in sending centre James Glover away and he ran on before sending full-back Tom Holmes over. The try was just reward for Holmes who linked up effectively throughout. Thunder drew level at 16-all on the stroke of half-time with a well-taken try by lively scrum-half Will Roberts.

The Dons regained the lead early in the second half. Winger Luke Briscoe touched down from a high kick by Robinson, who also added the extras. His subsequent penalty, which made it 24-16, was to prove more crucial to the result than most people will have expected at the time, with Thunder cutting the deficit to just two points with another converted try just short of the hour.

Both sides went close in a final quarter during which Isaac Misky showed up well after coming off the bench.

MATCH FACTS

Performance: 7/10

Entertainment: 8/10

Dons: Holmes, Briscoe, Lyne, Glover, Gebbie, Robinson, Aston, Matagi, Connor Jones, Springer, Sutcliffe, Johnson, Musttapha. Subs: Hey, Pauli, Misky, Hepi.