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By Jon Dewhirst.

The feeling is growing that this league may be won by the team that manages to cover injuries and absences most effectively. Aaron Myers and Tom Barker returned to the back-row for West, but Stephen Short, Sean Cairns and Owen Robinson were all unavailable. Doncaster arrived with a good reputation, but having lost their opening two fixtures, while West were defending a 100% record, starting the game as league leaders on points scored.

West had started the previous two games poorly, but this week, playing against the wind, they were disciplined and powerful from the start. After five minutes some good interpassing sent second-row Andy Robson clear in the corner to touch down for an early lead. Doncaster recovered well and mounted attacks of their own, and pulled three points back after being awarded a penalty in front of the posts for West handling in the ruck. After 15 minutes a careless Doncaster kick was well gathered by winger Tom Dougherty, who evaded a couple of tackles and ran through for a good solo try. Doncaster again responded with a penalty, but West finished the half strongly, second-row Tom Dixon finishing off some fine forward play with a try which he then converted with an excellent kick against the wind.

The second-half was a scrappier affair, although West continued to dominate, adding one surpeb try to their total, with Dougherty going over after some very slick handling and running along the backs. Doncaster exerted a period of pressure towards the end, but West defended well and ended the game close to the Doncaster line. A good game, with West coming out as deserving winners against a Doncaster side which never gave up.