Donnellan’s double keeps up Carnegie momentum

CARNEGIE’S improved form gathered more momentum as they beat their Yorkshire rivals for the second time in a week in the return derby at Castle Park which will be remembered for poor discipline by both sides.

Referee Dean Richards saw fit to dish out six yellow cards after repeated offside warnings – three to each team – in a close contest which was again littered with penalties.

At one stage in the second half, Doncaster were slashed to 12 players with forwards Josh Tyrell and Robin Hislop in the sin bin alongside winger Curtis Wilson.

Carnegie also suffered after the interval when they were cut to 13 following yellow cardsto flyhalf Jade Te Rure and prop Sam Nixon, having seen Fa’atinga Lemalu binned for deliberate offside before half-time.

Carnegie, strengthened by 12 new signings, are now making progress with three wins in the Cup. “I’m delighted with the performance of the whole team. We’ve now got strength in depth,” said coach Chris Stirling. “The game lost shape with all the yellows, but the ref had had enough.”

Doncaster, with a lead of 18-10 at the interval after skilful tries by centre Will Owen and No.8 Ollie Stedman, on his return to the side, should be kicking themselves for throwing away a promising position.

Carnegie’s pack began to gain territory and built on the first half try by hooker Dylan Donnellan, who had been driven over from a lineout.

The former Leinster academy player, who joined Carnegie in September on the recommendation of Stuart Lancaster, took advantage of his forwards’ power on 68 minutes when he was pushed over for his second try enabling his side to draw level at 18-18.

The accurate goal kicking on Jacob Umaga, who’d already struck a conversion and two penalties, added another two points that put Carnegie in front for the first time at 20-18.

Doncaster, down to 12, after yellow cards on 63, 66 and 70 minutes, were committing suicide, but surprisingly conceded just the seven points as they fought hard to deny Carnegie more scoring opportunities.

Stedman, delighted to be back, says Doncaster must improve their discipline. “We have to look at ourselves and we didn’t help ourselves with the referee who had his reasons.”