Doncaster 58 - Panthers 14

Having endured a coach journey of twice its intended timescale, and finding yourself playing in an almost identical playing kit to the opposition, you felt that this would possibly be a night to forget for the Panthers. The way matters panned out certainly backed up those early feelings.

The Panthers arrived at the impressive Keep mote Stadium in buoyant mood after their magnificent victory over league leaders Barrow last week, but were missing four regular first teamers due to injury and work commitments.

Doncaster had looked the best side to visit the Woodlands this season so this game was always going to be difficult against a side that contained three players who graced Super League this season and were the division’s only full time side.

The confusion of both teams playing in almost identical white kits was quickly evident as Chris Forster gleefully accepted a misplaced Doncaster pass to race 50 yards to score an unconverted try in the corner to give the Panthers an early lead.

Doncaster were quickly into their stride and it was no surprise when winger Caton scored wide out on the right to level matters. The Panthers held their own until halfway through the half when John Gillam was attempted to usher a kick over the dead ball line, but the referee was the only person on the ground who felt the winger had played the ball and from the resultant drop out Craig Orchard forced his way over for a try converted by Gale. Almost immediately Kyle Wood ran over unchallenged for a further try converted by Gale to leave the hosts in charge at 16-4.

Scrum half Gale was now running the show and he scored a delightful try from his own kick through and set up a further try for hooker Wood both of which he converted.

The gallant Panthers refused to be blasted away and Chris Forster who is looking a inspired signed produced two towering kicks either side of the interval both of which produced salmon type leaps from Dave Llewellyn and on both occasions he rose highest to come down over the try line for tries. Forster converted one to leave the Panthers trailing 28-14.
Doncaster who had turned out in the second half in a change Blue and Yellow strip began to dominate and the livewire Gale and outfoxed the defence to score a converted try under the posts. A misplaced Martin Keaveney pass was intercepted by Zebb Luissi who raced unchallenged from the halfway line for Gale to convert to leave the hosts out of sight at 40-14.

Gale converted the final three tries all scored against a tiring defence to give him a personal tally of 26 points. The final tries being scored after slick handling by Luissi, Retty and Laurie.
Doncaster have games in hand over all their rivals for promotion and on this showing will be well in the promotion shake up.

Panthers Team.
Leather, Gillam, Munro, Killgannon, Weed, Forster, Keaveney, Fairhurst, Clough, Boland, Hoba, Kaye, Wallace (A). Subs (All used) Llewellyn, Tunstead, Wallace (M), Duell.