Doncaster Phoenix 10 Wirral 32

ON their first visit to Doncaster Phoenix, the home of Championship side Doncaster Knights, it was an all-round team performance that enabled Wirral to claim all five points.

The game started at a fast pace with both teams playing open football and it was not surprising that the first try should come after seven minutes when a break by James Annetts enabled Craig Harvey to outpace the defence to score wide out.

Within five minutes DP had equalised through William Burden after a well- rehearsed backs move.

With DP in possession on the half way line, Wirral tackled and a pass was intercepted by Rob Pearl, who raced in from 50m to score under the posts, converted by James Annetts.

The lead was extended to 7-19 when captain, Craig Harvey, broke tackles to score his second try from 15m out, converted again by Annetts.

Close to half time with DP putting pressure on the Wirral line, a series of penalties led to one being quickly taken and Joe Lowcock crashed over leaving the half time score 10-19 in Wirral's favour.

With the slight breeze in Wirral's favour in the second half it was they who were in the ascendancy although DP had two chances to score but dropped passes left them scoreless in this half.

In the middle of the half, Wirral hit two penalties by James Annetts from 30m range which meant that DP had to score three times to overtake Wirral.

In the final minute of the game a long kick to touch gave Wirral an attacking line out.

A penalty resulted, quickly taken by Craig Harvey, stopped close to the line but a flicked pass saw Sam Broadbent collect and plunge over the line to give Wirral that vital try bonus point and James Annett's conversion ended the game.

This win takes Wirral top of the league although early in the season it will give Wirral the confidence for the matches ahead starting with Kendal at home next week.