Swinton Lions 14 Doncaster 6: Poor execution devalues effort from Doncaster

The visitors trailed 12-6 at half-time and were unable to break down a resolute Lions’ defence in the second half of a bruising contest at Leigh Sports Village.

“We really needed to execute our chances better, but I cannot knock the guys for their effort,” reflected Miller.

“I thought our defence was good and we had a couple of good chances in the first half, but we didn’t take them and they capitalised on one or two of our errors.

“They scored two good tries but we at least managed to hold out for a valuable bonus point.”

Former Hull KR ace Paul Cooke gave Doncaster the perfect start when he crossed for an early try.

Stewart Sanderson kicked the conversion, but the Lions roared back and Rhys Evans levelled and then substitute Danny Hawkyard put them ahead.

Ryan Shaw kicked three goals to make sure the home side could not get within touching distance.

“It was a really tight game, so to restrict Doncaster to just one try was a massive effort,” said Lions’ coach Ian Watson.

Swinton Lions: R Hawkyard, Williams, Evans, Shaw, Ormsby, Ainscough, Watson, Holland, Smith, Morrison, Laithwaite, Bridge, Hulme. Substitutes: I’Anson, Mills, D Hawkyard, McCarthy.

Doncaster: Waterman, Tuffour, Kay, Leaf, Sanderson, Cooke, Fawcett, Waller, Emmett, Robinson, Spurr, Edwards. Substitutes: Powley, Butterfield, Hughes, Johnson.

Referee: Ronnie Laughton (RFL).