By Peter Creek
February 12 2007

Doncaster Rugby Club has been around since 1875. However it was not until the advent of leagues that the club started its meteoric rise to National Division 1 with eight promotions in fifteen years.

Today the club are fourth in the table and have been in the top five all season. They are coached by the formidable Clive Griffiths and half of the current squad are fulltime professionals.

The game against Leeds on Saturday is undoubtedly the “match of the day”, being a table-topping clash between Yorkshire rivals. The two met earlier in the season at Headingley Carnegie when the Tykes were clear winners, depriving the visitors of a losing bonus point with a late interception try. Since that day both teams have remained in contention for promotion and both have had dips in form. The similarities do not end there. The clubs are committed to developing local talent to produce homegrown squads and both have shrewd coaches who have a vision for their club which, if realized, would see both of them in the Guinness Premiership.

 

Last weekend Leeds were dumped out of the EDF Trophy by a robust and determined Pirates outfit. This was a bruising encounter which may well have taken its toll on the players. By contrast the Knights eased through against a weakened London Welsh team. Leeds have only the league to worry about now which will help them stay focused in their remaining fixtures. Doncaster could well be getting the scent of silverware in their nostrils and the possibility of a trip to headquarters in April beckons.

 

On Saturday I expect the packs to be evenly matched, as they were at HC. Leeds had a makeshift front row last week which was too often disrupted. The return of Noon at tighthead should settle them down. Stuart Lancaster also has the luxury of quality in depth so the introduction of Bouzza, Pelu and Lock into the back five would enable him to rest players without weakening the team. Doncaster have introduced the livewire Ben Gollings at number 10 since the teams last met and the Tykes will need to keep a tight rein on him. He should get well acquainted with Mr. Schusterman over the eighty minutes. Tykes showed against Pirates, in poor handling conditions, that they have a cutting edge in the backs which other sides only dream about. If they get enough quality ball the Knights threequarters will spend the afternoon defending their line.

 

For Leeds this is a pivotal game. A win will see them on course for the run in to the title. Defeat could derail their title charge and introduce an element of doubt in their ability to stay the course. Much will depend on the weather and the state of the turf. A fine dry day could give us a classic encounter with few of the errors associated with wet and mud. In good conditions Leeds will win by two points. Doncaster are a tough team to beat on their own patch. If they get any help from the elements they are capable of winning this match and blowing the title race wide open.

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