Dons Meet the Scorpions for the First Time
Posted by Jemmo on March 13 2010 11:06:34
South Wales Scorpions play their first ever Championship One away game, as the Dons invite the competitions newest team to the Keepmoat, quickly needing to erase the memory of last week, and put in a proud performance..
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From out of the ashes of the (Celtic) Crusaders somewhat controversial move north to Wrexham emerged Wales second 'professional ' Rugby League Club, the South Wales Scorpions and Sunday sees the Championship One new kids on the block as visitors to the Keepmoat Stadium.
Undoubtably the biggest unknown quantity in the division, the Scorpions coached by Queenslander Anthony Seibold, whose playing career included spells at Brisbane Broncos, Canberra Raiders, London Broncos and Hull Kingston Rovers, have agreed deals (either dual registration or loan) to utilise a number of fringe players from Crusaders such as forwards Gil Dudson, Ben Flower, Jordan James and Lewis Mills, half back Lloyd White and three quarters Anthony Blackwood and Lee Williams. It is worth noting however that the Scorpions training sessions will not involve these players and a recall to the Crusaders squad may occur at any time.
Other former Crusaders who have rallied to the cause include Aled James (who also had spells at Widnes Vikings and Sheffield Eagles) and Craig Richards. Certainly though, the most familiar name to Doncaster supporters will be that of former Dons full back Loz Wildbore who also numbers Hull KR, Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, Featherstone Rovers, Widnes Vikings, Dewsbury Rams and York City Knights amongst his former clubs.
The remainder of the squad is made up from former Rugby Union players and youngsters from the Welsh Conference but does include a smattering of Welsh RL Internationals such as winger Ash Bateman and second row forward Christiaan Roets, who will be familiar with a number of the aforementioned Crusaders from their international duties.
The Scorpions were without a game going into their first Championship One fixture two weeks ago having missed out on potential friendlies due to adverse weather and not being entered in the Northern Rail Cup. However, they produced a very decent effort considering the circumstances to beat Workington Town 22-20 at the Gnoll. With no scheduled fixture again last weekend, the opportunity was taken to get another run-out under the belt and they duly ran out 82-18 winners over a Welsh Conference Select team.
For everyone connected with the Dons it has been an extremely disappointing couple of weeks. The 56-24 defeat at Rochdale quickly followed by being dumped out of the Challenge Cup 26-0 by Halifax-based amateurs Siddal. Taking nothing away from Siddal, who were much the better side on the day and had a real jewel in Lee Gudor, but it really was a very poor effort from the Dons. It is certainly a fair assumption that the lively scrum half, who barely put a foot wrong all afternoon could do a struggling Chamionship One side a decent job!
The Dons will continue to be without playmakers Grant Edwards and Craig Fawcett as well as three quarter Aaron Henry but forward Danny Stanley has trained this week and may be considered. The Club have been on the lookout for reinforcements and there could yet be another signing in time for Sundays game following the return of Kyle Kesik from Sheffield Eagles last week.
This week then is all about restoring some pride. A victory would certainly be a welcome bonus but first, foremost and as a minimum, what is needed is an effort and performance that the supporters can cheer and both they and the players and coaching staff can be proud of.
Come On You Dons!
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