Sandbach and Phoenix serve up cracker

LOYAL fans were treated to a day full of action in the Midlands Premier with tries and action galore.

The game of the day was definitely at Sandbach, where Doncaster Phoenix ran out the victors in a 43-39 try-fest.

Sam Bottomley notched a hat-trick, with Sam Pocklington, Sam Nunn, Jay Robinson and Will Burden all touching down, with four conversions from Seth Adams.

The Phoenix ran into a healthy lead before Sandbach clawed themselves back into the game before half time.

They were then reduced to 14 men before two yellow cards were also issued to Doncaster, which allowed Sandbach to capitalise and run over two quick-fire tries.

But, despite Rob Buck being sin-binned in the dying minutes for the Phoenix, they managed to

hold off and secure a vital victory.

Scunthorpe picked up an invaluable bonus point after beating Derby 41-21 at home, and also leapt to the top of the table.

The Yorkshire side started off slowly but stepped up a gear in the second half, with Ollie Cole bagging a hat trick of tries.

They were joined by Mark Hyde, Grant Elliott and Liam Brunt all crossing, with Paul Cook adding three conversions to their tally.

Sheffield swept past Burton in a convincing 260 win at home.

The tries were scored by veteran winger Ali Womack and Ianto Jones while Sean Casey bagged a double.

Steve Depledge also added three conversions as he helped to steer the home side to an impressive victory. Newport Salop narrowly beat Luctonians 15-13 in an edgy top-of-the-table clash. Tries by Sam Brown and Jack Price, and a penalty and a conversion by Liam Holder were enough to steer the home side to victory. They remain second with Luctonians dropping to third. Elsewhere, there was an away victories for Broadstreet, who saw off Bournville 24-8. Lichfield also looked good in downing Nuneaton 30-12. And Bridgnorth held on to secure an 18-9 victory over Syston.