Match Report: Doncaster RLFC

Doncaster RLFC 16 - 30 London Broncos

London Broncos came from behind to defeat Doncaster after a physical match that saw the home team lead for much of the  game.

The Broncos began with a solid defensive set, but Doncaster were awarded an early penalty, allowing them to build initial pressure. In attack, Dean Hawkins and Morea Morea combined, but were stopped by Doncaster’s defence.

Doncaster continued to build momentum through penalties and repeat sets and Edene Gebbie opened the scoring in the twelfth minute with a try in the corner, converted by Connor Robinson. A yellow card for Siliva Havili added to London’s difficulties, and Doncaster extended their lead with two penalty goals.

London reduced the deficit in the 27th minute following a sustained period of possession. After strong carries from the forwards, Hawkins broke through to score and then converted his own try.

The remainder of the first half featured a number of errors and territorial exchanges, with both sides using the kicking game. Doncaster maintained their lead going into the break.

Early in the second half, Gebbie went over for his second, with Connor Robinson converting. London responded by improving their field position, helped by Hawkins’ kicking game.

In the 68th minute, London scored through Reagan Campbell-Gillard after building pressure inside Doncaster’s half, with Hawkins converting. Shortly after, a kick was kept in play by Neil Tchamambe and collected by Morea, who scored. Hawkins again added the conversion to give London the lead.

Hawkins crossed over the line for a double, with another aerial try assist from Tchamambe, and later when Luke Smith collected a loose ball to score. Hawkins converted the additional tries.

Doncaster continued to create opportunities, including through their kicking game, but were unable to add further points. The match concluded with London holding their lead after a second-half turnaround.

London Broncos: 1 Morea Morea, 26 Neil Tchamambe, 4 Alex Max,  3 Robert Mathias, 2 Elliot Wallis, 23 Gairo Voro, 7 Dean Hawkins, 8 Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 18 Jimmy Meadows, 16 Epel Kapinias, 11 Luke Smith, 12 Jack Croft, 13 Siliva Havili. Replacements: 6 Connor O’Beirne, 24 Lewis Bienek, 10 Emarly Bitungane, 15 Sadiq Adebiyi. 18th man: 17 Marcus Stock

Tries: Hawkins (27, 74), Campbell-Gillard (68), Morea (74), Smith (78)

Goals: Hawkins 5/5

Doncaster RLFC: 1. Tom Holmes, 26. Mitieli Vulikijapani, 4. Reece Lyne, 23. James Glover, 18. Edene Gebbie, 7. Connor Robinson, 6. Cory Aston, 27. Titus Gwaze, 19. Connor Jones, 10. Suaia Matagi, 14. Jacob Jones, 22. Luis Johnson, 17. Muizz Mustapha. Replacements: 13. Loui McConnell, 16. Pauli Pauli, 21. Tyla Hepi, 24. Watson Boas. 18th man: 12. Alex Sutcliffe.

Tries: Gebbie (12, 43)

Goals: Robinson (4/4)

 Referee: L. Rush

HT: 10–6

Sin Bin: Siliva Havili