Doncaster RLFC v Hunslet Hawks: Dons hope to end White Rose jinx

Doncaster RLFC will be hoping that it will be a case of third time lucky against White Rose League One opponents in tomorrow's game against Hunslet Hawks at the Keepmoat Stadium (3pm).
Ex Dons coach Gary Thornton returns to the Keepmoat Stadium this weekend with Hunslet Hawks.Ex Dons coach Gary Thornton returns to the Keepmoat Stadium this weekend with Hunslet Hawks.
Ex Dons coach Gary Thornton returns to the Keepmoat Stadium this weekend with Hunslet Hawks.

The club’s two league defeats this season have both been against Yorkshire-based sides with both Bradford Bulls and York City Knights winning at the Keepmoat Stadium.

On paper ninth-placed Leeds clubs do not look as strong as the current top two clubs.

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But the Dons coaching team are aware of the fact that the Hawks have won away at dark horses Oldham and beaten Workington Town, another of the fancied teams, last month.

They also came within two points of beating York last time out after trailing 24-0 at the end of the first quarter.

“We were terrible for the first 20 minutes or so but we outscored them 24-2 after that which was very pleasing because York are a good side,” said Hunslet head coach Gary Thornton.

“It was disappointing to lose in such circumstances but it has given us the confidence to know that we can compete against the top sides if we get it right on the day.

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“But we know we’ve got start better and stop giving ourselves a lot to do.”

The Dons go into the game on the back of a 70-18 win at bottom club West Wales Raiders but knowing that they need to start playing for the full 80 minutes.

By their own admission the Dons, who have started slowly in a number of games and, as was the case last weekend, also been guilty of losing their shape later on in games when well ahead.

“We’ve got some tough games coming up, starting with Hunslet, and we can’t afford to give teams a leg-up,” said assistant coach Pete Green.