[b]DHC Men's 1 vs Ben Rhydding
4 - 1
The last home game of the season saw Doncaster welcome Ben Rhydding in the North Conference, with the hosts looking to secure a podium finish and the visitors hoping to put some distance between themselves and the drop - so plenty to play for for both teams. The fourth renewal of Andy’s Lunch meant former National League legends joined us on the sideline, so a great opportunity for the Men’s 1XI to showcase their skills.
The Men’s 1XI took to the pitch at 2pm, following wins for both the Girls & Boys Under-16 sides, so the pressure was on to make it 3 victories out of 3…
The game started with Doncaster immediately seizing the upper hand, where we produced probably the best half of hockey we’ve played all season. 4 goals without reply from Powell, Whittaker, Shelley & Gibson pretty much had the game won at half-time. With the crowd roaring
us on in the second half, we endeavoured to add to the tally. A few near misses and a little bit of hard luck meant that, sadly, we couldn’t take the score to more than 4, with Ben Rhydding grabbing a late consolation to leave the final score at 4-1.
A huge and very well deserved win for us and an incredible moment to mark 350 National League appearances for J Redfern as the players formed a guard of honour for our number 9.
A truly brilliant club day was topped off with an awesome performance from the boys Under-18s who beat Telford 4-2 to secure a shot at a trophy next month. Congratulations to all the lads, in particular B Pickles, L Rudd, L Baughan-Withington who have also contributed to the
Men’s 1XI this campaign.

DHC Men's 2 vs Durham Uni
1 - 1
With promotion in sight, Doncaster faced Durham who similarly were in need of a point to confirm safety. The first half had chances at both ends with Donny having the majority, yet were unable to capitalise. HT- 0-0
The second half was similar to the first with chances at both ends but remained level for the majority of the second half until Durham broke the deadlock with a tomo hawk finish into the top left. 1-0. Donny motivated to get the point to confirm promotion continued to push for a goal and with a few minutes to go The Ruddster placed one over the keepers foot and into the bottom left. 1-1. With only a few minutes left neither side managed to find a winner and the game finished level.

Lindum 3s vs DHC Men's 4
1 - 2
The 4s travelled to Lindum 3s, who had not lost a home game all season.
The 4s came out of the traps with intent, and with their first foray forward, some good slick passing released Proctor into the D, who put the ball passed the host's keeper.
6 mins played 0-1
The perfect start!
Doncaster doubled their lead in the 13th minute, this time E West dispatching the ball into the Lindum goal.
Every time Doncaster moved the ball forward, it looked as though they were going to extend their lead, but the home keeper and some last-minute defending denied them.
Doncaster lost Brown to a chest injury following a collision on the pitch, a large Lindum forward landing awkwardly on top of Brown.
5 minutes before half time, a loose pass out of defence was intercepted by the Lindum midfield, who quickly dissected the Doncaster defence, and the Lindum striker fired the ball passed Walton, nothing he good do about it.
Half-time 1-2
After some praise and encouragement from Lockwood running the Doncaster bench, he sent the side out to repeat the first half display.
The Lindum Captain obviously had given his side some strong words at half-time as Lindum came out with greater intent.
Shortly into the 2nd half, Burtoft had to leave the field, struggling with a foot injury sustained when a Lindum shot hit him late in the first half.
From that moment on, it was a show of grit, determination, and teamwork as Doncaster repelled wave after wave of Lindum pressure.
Then another injury, this time to Whiteman, who had showed great energy in midfield, was fouled and bundled to the floor by Lindum late challenge, only a free hit awarded, much to the surprise of everyone that no card was brandished.
Then, 5 minutes later, Harris twisted his knee, slipping on the pitch in an area where others had already slipped.
Burtoft returning to the field to stand as a target-man up front.
Burtoft had a great opportunity to shoot or square to Proctor only to produce an air shot. Stick to defending Burty!!!
West then became the next injury, taking friendly fire from a Scott clearance.
Harris returned to the pitch to maintain 11 bodies (most of them broken) on the pitch.
10 minutes from time, Fotheringham was asked to have a sit down by the umpires (green card) for a late nibble on a Lindum stick breaking up play.
Then it became like The Alamo!
Good saves from Walton, dogged defending and last ditch tackles by Henderson, Potts, Scott, Young and Proctor fended off attacks until the final whistle was blown!

Full-time Lindum 1- Doncaster 2

Next week, the 4s host Chesterfield 2s, who secured their own survival with a win versus Barnsley.

The Great Escape stays alive for another week.

DHC Men's 5 vs Acomb
1 - 0
The men’s 5th hosted Acomb for the second meeting of the two teams this season. With both teams sitting comfortably mid-table the match was poised to be a well-balanced tie.
Doncaster started the game strongly and dominated both possession and opportunities in front of goal with good passing in the midfield and positive attacking play creating several chances. Doncaster, however, struggled to make the pressure pay for the good part of the first half before W Bailey slotted one away to put Doncaster ahead.
Acomb didn’t roll over and pushed for chances on the break opting for the long balls through the middle on the park hoping to catch us on the break.
The defence remained resolute with some great saves from M Seaton in goal to keep the score 1 - 0 going in to the half time break.
The second half followed the same pattern with Doncaster pushing hard for a second goal. Penalty corners were gained, but Doncaster were unable to capitalise.
Going into the last few minutes with only a slender lead Acomb pushed hard for an equaliser. In the dying minutes of the game Doncaster conceded a penalty corner. The final whistle was blown and Acomb piled forward.
Doncaster were on tenterhooks with the midfield ready to chase back to support. The corner was taken and Acomb missed the opportunity hitting the ball wide.
Final score Doncaster 1 Acomb 0.

Ladies Results:

Newcastle Uni vs DHC Ladies 1
0 - 1
The ladies made a flying start to their must win game against Newcastle Uni going 1-0 up after 30 seconds with a goal from F Rawlings. The ladies managed to hold on and come away with 3 points. They go to Alderley and edge next week hoping for another 3 points in their fight for survival.

DHC Ladies 4 vs Sheffield
5 - 1
Sheffield started strongly with good passing and penetrating runs with the ball. The first goal came from an attack down the right, and on the edge of the D the ball was crossed and somehow sneaked into the far side of the goal. The pressure was heaped on the Doncaster defence and, although there was some great tackling and clearances from Heather in the goal, 3 more goals came that half.

4-0 at half time looked daunting, but Doncaster rallied and dominated the first 10 minutes. They mounted a string of attacks and were winning short corners but the ball would not go in the net. Sheffield then got a break and with some slick passing scored another goal. Jane and Seana put in the leg work in midfield and did not let them settle again. Doncaster gained the momentum and Sue won another short corner. This time Kerry struck the ball with pace and it hit the backboard soundly. Kerry then marshalled the defence and Becky made several crucial tackles. The ball was cleared to the forwards more often and S Dent made some good runs. No more goals. So, a game of 2 halves, but having rallied in the second half Doncaster can feel proud of the turnaround. A loss of 1-5, but encouraging determination for next week.

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