Doncaster finish difficult season with loss

The hosts clinched third position with a somewhat patchy performance against an outclassed but spirited Doncaster outfit.

John Stankevitch’s side can now start building for next season in National League Two, after a difficult season both on and off the field, whilst Martin Hall’s side can look forward to an eliminator against Sheffield Eagles next Sunday.

A fairly competitive first half saw Halifax race into a 16-0 lead with tries from Dave Larder, former Dons favourite Graham Holroyd and Richard Varkulis, with Holroyd adding a couple of conversions.

Alex Benson opened his side’s account on the half hour after lively substitute Shaun Johnson had caused problems for the home defence. Chris Forster tagged over the extras to give the visiting fans something to cheer. Two minutes later they were filled with optimism as Craig Lawton’s powerful burst took them into the danger zone. Forster’s clever last tackle kick saw the alert Chris Lyth pounce for a try to give Forster an easy conversion and leave them trailing by just 16-12.

With Luke Burgess and Tommy Hodgkinson leading a strong looking pack the Dons were making a real game of it as their confidence soared.

However, a late Sean Penkywicz try and another Holroyd conversion left them 22-12 down at the interval.

The second half opened with a converted Holroyd try but Doncaster replied on 50 minutes as Wayne Green intercepted Phil Joseph’s pass to race clear from 30 metres and give Forster his third conversion.

If Burgess could have taken Luke Gayle’s pass close to the line the game could have been in the balance.

Unfortunately a blistering four minute spell from the hosts virtually wrapped up the game.

James Haley touched down Mick Govin’s astute kick, Joseph made amends for his earlier error to score from Ian Watson’s fine break and Watson made the most of Damian Munro’s howler for the easiest of tries on the hour. With Holroyd adding his seventh conversion the game was over as a contest at 46-18.

All credit to the Dons though as full back Munro made amends and crashed over against his former team mates from close range on 67 minutes, Andy Speak took over the kicking duties and made no mistake.

As the game fizzled out it was another former Doncaster player, Shad Royston, who had the last word with a late try which Watson converted for a final score of 52-24.