Doncaster 8 South Wales Scorpions 18: Doncaster brighter but defeated again

On the positive side it was a much-improved performance following their embarrassing cup defeat against Siddal and they finished the stronger side.

But they were unable to make their scoring opportunities count while the Scorpions took the chances that came their way.

South Wales grabbed the opening try when Doncaster were caught on the hop by a clever kick and Chris Roets collected to send Andy Gay racing through unopposed, Aled James adding the extras.

Both sides placed the emphasis on defence but Doncaster hit back when Lee Gomersall squeezed over in the corner following good work by Simon Brown who missed the touchline conversion attempt.

The home side were rocked by two tries early in the second half when Steve Parry dived over from acting half-back and then David James scored a solo try when he intercepted close to his own line and ran the length of the pitch to touch down.

Aled James improved both tries to put South Wales 18-4 in front but Doncaster hit back strongly in the closing stages and went close on a number of occasions only to be denied by the visitors' outstanding defence.

Winger Scott Wilson managed to get over in the corner from Shaun Leaf's pass seven minutes from time but Doncaster had left their effort too late.

Doncaster: Griffiths, Wilson, Gomersall, Leaf, King, S Brown, Kesik, Bovill, Ely, Bates, Lawton, Steen, Allan. Substitutes (all used):

P Brown, Johnson, Howlett, Ellery.

South Wales Scorpions: D James, Richards, Roets, Williams, Bateman, Wildbore, Gay,

J James, Owens, Dudson, Mills, Flower, A James. Substitutes (all used): Parry, Phillips, Greville, Murphy.

Referee: D Merrick.