Sheffield vs DHC M1
0-3
The last Yorkshire derby of the year saw Doncaster take the short trip across to Abbeydale to take on Sheffield HC. One side had secured a podium finish, while the other was looking over their shoulder at the relegation zone - I’ll leave you to work out which team was which.
As well as being a stand out fixture in the calendar for all Doncaster players and supporters, it was a significant day for Tom Wheeldon, who made his Men’s 1XI debut after being a key member of the 2XI’s promotion team and U18 cup squad. Another first came after 4 minutes when Luke Baughan-Withington opened his National League account with a move which he started and coolly finished.
Doncaster were in control of the game, but the score remained 1-0 until into the second half when Ryan Day doubled the lead from a second phase penalty corner. Sunday was a good day for Ryan Day as he bagged his second (or hat-trick jug avoidance, you decide) from the penalty spot after a quite remarkable run by Ewan Whittaker.
Although Sheffield hit the woodwork and put the pressure on in the final quarter, the result was never in doubt and the better team won on the day.
One more effort this weekend as we travel to league champions Timperley. They’ve beat every other side in the division aside from us so far this season - can we keep it that way? Stand by sports fans…

DHC M4 vs Chesterfield
1-0
The 4s welcomed Chesterfield 2s to the JSM Arena for their final home game of the season.
The 4s still battling for survival knew a win was the only result that mattered, Chesterfield were having a revival of their own which had seen them secure survival a few weeks ago.
Following last week's number of injuries, the 4s were forced into a few changes of personnel most noticeably Brown (a rock at the back this season or honey badger as he has been referred to previously) unable to play due to broken ribs.
The game started at a frantic pace, this resulted in several unforced mistakes by both sides.
Both sides made good forays forward but resolute defending and some good saves by both visiting keeper and home Keeper Walton kept the score at parity.
That was until the 34th minute when Doncaster had a short corner and at the umpteenth attempt by various players was final put away by Harris.
An ideal time to strike right on the stroke of half time.
Half time DHC 1 - Chesterfield 0
Doncaster continued the second half as they finished the first with lots of possession and pressure.
Proctor and West continued to prove a handful for the visitors back line.
As the half progressed Chesterfield pushed for the equaliser (the last 10 minutes felt like an eternity) but Doncaster held firm.
Full time 1-0
With Horncastle beating Barnsley it means the rearranged game is a key game. Only a win for Doncaster will be enough for survival.
The Great Escape continues for another week.

Kingston Upon Hull vs DHC M5
3-1
Final game of the season for the Men’s 5th XI against table topping Kingston Upon Hull. Despite being turned over heavily in previous meetings earlier in the season, Doncaster went in to the tie with a confident attitude from recent good performances against those above us.
Doncaster started well absorbing early pressure and creating their own chances from confident play down each wing to put the clearly surprised Hull defence under pressure. Chances were created by the youthful forward line displaying good skill and holding the ball well.
It was Hull however, that opened the scoring after 15 minutes with a well taken goal from open play, the team rallied and continued to press the Hull back line but the goals would not come for Doncaster and Hull doubled their lead just before the break.
At half time the team was confident that there was still an opportunity to get something from this game and the talk focussed on possession and taking the opportunities that were being created.
Going in to the second half the team started buoyantly creating yet more opportunities and carving out some shots that tested the clearly in form Hull keeper.Some good build up play from Doncaster created an opportunity for T Sapsted at the top of the D, the keeper made a great save but the ball fell to C Lewis who slotted the ball away form close distance to make the score 1:2.
Opportunities came for both sides with Doncaster searching for an equalizer and Hull looking to put the game out of reach. Some good saves from B Dickerson kept the game in reach before Hull got the crucial goal to close down the game late on.
At the final whistle Doncaster came off the field united in the positivity clearly demonstrated in the improvement in team play that has allowed the team to really take it to the top ranked teams in the last few games of the season.
The team will go into the next season knowing the squad has a good mix of youth and experience we can build on to push the younger players on in their hockey journeys whilst offering some really competitive hockey for the more experienced members of the squad.

Ladies Results:

Alderley Edge vs DHC L1
1-1
The ladies travelled to Alderley edge needing 3 points to secure safety and not take it to the last game of the season. The ladies went ahead first with a brilliant solo goal from C Crowther. Alderley edge got their breakthrough after 68 mins of trying with a well worked short corner. They go to fylde in the final game of the season hoping to get a result and seal national league hockey for another season.

Sheffield vs DHC L2
6-1
Following last weeks triumphant win over 2nd in the league Huddersfield Dragons, Doncaster started this weeks game vs Sheffield 2s (top of the league) on a high!
The game started with Doncaster attacking, within the first 5 minutes Thorpy took a free hit outside the D, drove the ball in and took a reverse hit on goal which Erin deflected on post to put Doncaster 1-0 up. Sheffield came back fighting and after a bit of commotion in the D and a couple of great saves they managed to claw back a goal to even the score at 1-1. Doncaster continued to defend Sheffield's quick breaks, with keeper Jess making some great saves and Doncaster’s defence putting in some lovely tackles, they managed to get the ball up the end of the pitch but were caught on a turnover and conceded a second goal (2-1). Doncaster made a few breaks during this first half with some strong link play giving them chances on goal which were defended well by Sheffield and sent Doncaster back to their defending half for a 16. Doncaster’s defence had limited options and a quick intercept from Sheffield lead to them scoring a great strike from the right side of the D (3-1) The second half ended with Doncaster winning two consecutive shorts which Sheffield managed to keep out of their goal.
Team talk at half time lead to Doncaster changing to 4-4-2 formation to protect the middle of the field.
Sheffield made a strong first attack, catching the team off guard at the start of the second half scoring to make it 4-1. Doncaster had a few strong attacks throughout the second half but the game was end to end and Sheffield scored a fifth goal from a further short corner, with a well drilled deflection on left post. Doncaster continued to work hard but Sheffield were on a roll and managed to get another short which lead to their sixth goal. In the last minute Doncaster made a final attempt on goal but were fouled in the D just before, the umpire blew the whistle for a short corner just as Woody found the back of the net, leaving their goal disallowed. Doncaster didn’t manage to turnover the last corner of the game as Sheffield's first runner cleared the ball five outside the D and the final whistle was blown. Final score 6-1.
Not the end to the season ladies 2s hoped for but after a fab few weeks of consecutive wins you can’t have it all! This season has been a great one and the team has bonded massively throughout the season. Hopefully the 2025-26 season will start as this one ended, now the team has settled, and that by finishing 9th in the league we have done enough to maintain our place in YNE Yorkshire Division 1!
Special mention to Erin, Lexie & keeper Jess who will be missed greatly by the full team as they go to uni this year.

DHC L3 vs Chapeltown
1-1
The final game of the season for the ladies 3s was against Chapeltown who were just 2 points behind us, we knew we had to win or draw to stay up and they needed a win to stay up. The Doncaster team came out strong from the very start, putting lots of pressure on the away team with many great chances however despite having most of the possession it was still 0-0 at half time. We knew the next 35 minutes were crucial so came out with the same intensity after half time. We remained determined and after some fantastic play, H.Pinchin slotted one past the Chapeltown keeper. Chapeltown pressed us hard and managed to slot one past us 5 minutes later. We knew we couldn’t concede anymore, so every player gave the last part of the game absolutely everything and the final result was 1-1. A brilliant result for the Doncaster team and very well deserved. A very positive end to an enjoyable season!!

Sheffield 5 vs DHC L4
0-9
Although Doncaster suffered a 0-9 defeat they can reflect on their 3rd place in Peak Division 2 with pride. The game was fast paced with Sheffield dominating with well structured attacks. Doncaster did make numerous attacks of their own and won several short corners. However, Sheffield were able to intercept loose passes and counter attack with speed and arrive in the D with options to shoot. The Doncaster side did not give up and gave it their all, it was just unfortunate that attacks did not lead to goals! 3 injuries put paid to sustained possession and Sheffield were relentless in their use of a full squad. The final score was flattering to Sheffield, 2nd in the league, but none the less well earned.

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