Well here we go with the next game thread.
Firstly, it looks like it will be different weather to the weather we enjoyed last Sunday.
Secondly, I can't remember us winning much at Barrow.
So the elements and history are against us.

Last Sunday I was very confident that we would beat Whitehaven, but this time I think we are underdogs.
I would settle for a bonus point.

As I have previously said, If we can win there I think we would be pretty much unstoppable.

What do we think?

if they play like they did sunday, and take the confidence that came with it into the game-,im sure they can win it. the only thing that worries me is playing after a long trip,never easy.

Cunningham & Edwards back in training see www.thestar.co.uk/sport/rugby_league

Cunningham & Edwards back in training see www.thestar.co.uk/sport/rugby_league

i think we will have a very pleasant journey home after seeing our teams success at barrow

Stand-Offish...as quoted on the Barrow forum

Obviously this will be a very tough encounter but if we don't win it will not be the end of the world as i think all of the promtion contenders will suffer a few ups and downs throughout the year. The main thing is that we go out and give a competitive performance, what ever the outcome. Having said that i feel that we are capable of beating anyone in this division.

Hardest game of the season for me, if we win we should have all the confidence in the world for the rest of the campaign. If we're competitive for large portions and get anything it will not be a bad sign.

Match Preview

Doncaster RLFC make the long journey to Cumbria on Sunday to face Barrow Raiders in the Co-operative Championship One clash at Craven Park (3pm kick-off).

The Dons enjoyed a winning start to their league campaign last weekend with an impressive 48-16 victory over much fancied Whitehaven. The Raiders have also been tipped for promotion in 2012 and secured their opening day points with a hard fought 26-24 away win over North Wales Crusaders.

The big blow for the Dons is that second rower Carl Hughes will be out of action for at least three months after badly dislocating his shoulder last weekend. However, Grant Edwards (knee) and Liam Cunningham (shin) are both expected to be available for selection.

Dons' head coach Tony Miller said: "It's heart-breaking news for Carl as he's been one of our most consistent performers but it will give someone else an opportunity to step up to the plate.

"Looking ahead to Sunday's game it's important that we get off to a good start again and put some early pressure on the Barrow back line.

"I thought our first half performance was very good against Whitehaven and we showed some good attacking options.

"Barrow are a big, strong outfit who are always hard to beat on their own patch and will be well supported.

"We had a successful outcome last weekend in the opener but we're not getting carried away. We know there's a long season ahead of us and we have to remain focused on achieving our objectives."

Barrow's Jamie Butler (hamstring) faces a late fitness test while James Dandy (shoulder) looks set to remain side-lined. Raiders head coach Darren Holt is also without James Finch and Andries Venter who are both serving a one match ban.

Holt said: "We're on our home patch, and every club in this division will want to win their home games. It's key to any promotion hopes.

"Doncaster are one of the favourites for promotion, and they had a good win last week against Whitehaven. But we're at home this week and we want to start well."

However, Holt insists stopping Doncaster is more than just stopping former Super League star Paul Cooke and said: "If you think like that, you're doing a massive disservice to the rest of Doncaster's squad. It's a team game and they've got a very good squad.

"I've seen a DVD of their win against Whitehaven, and their platform is set by their forward pack.

"The key, and it's no secret in rugby league, is that whoever wins the forward battle will more than likely win the game."

Click [url=http://www.barrowrlfc.com/barrow_rugby_tickets.asphere[/url to view match day ticket information and prices.

Neither Burnett or Cunningham are in the Hull squad this weekend.

Is Burnett fit , no mention of him in early news this week. Would be an ideal replacement for Carl Hughes.

I agree with others that this will be a much tougher test than whitehaven though am not convvinced these will be our toughest of season - personally I think that could be workington but I could be wrong. I think these guys will be very strong and I will settle for a bonus point, but with a bit of luck the win is not beyond us.

COYD

Latest from the Star www.thestar.co.uk/sport/rugby-league

Latest from the Star www.thestar.co.uk/sport/rugby-league

Bet365 handicap betting ...

Barrow -8pts 4/5
Doncaster +8pts Evens
The Handicap Draw 16/1

dons are 9/4 from scratch on betfair too big for me too resist,only got +6.5 start in handicap betting it will make the game more interesting by having a bet

BetVictor, Paddy Power, Ladbrokes and William Hill all Dons +8 at 10/11.

As olddon says just +6.5 on Betfair. The best option remains the +8 at Evens with Bet365.

BetVictor and William Hill are best-priced for a Dons win at 5/2.

Mike Kelly replaces Carl Hughes on the bench although no 5 has no name , assuming that China is playing .

Squad has only one change from last week, which is Kelly in for Hughes. China wears 2, Hodson 5..

Currently 6-4 to Barrow. Hodson just scored to open the Dons account.

Barrow 12 Dons 4 at Half time.

I know it is a bit late but final score Barrow 25 Dons 8.

Will leave the comment to those who attended.

Is Mike Burnett injured .

obviously a disappointing result. as i didnt go would be intetested in the opinions of those who did as to how the Dons played

dissapointing that we could of won. cooke and hyde had a bad day at the office and although i think emmett is a good player i think he would be better at loose and bring powley in to share the hooking role with kesik. we can play so much better though!

Agree Donny 11 hope Powley gets a chance against Sharlston .

I did write a detailed report, but hit the wrong button and lost it and can't be @rsed to retype it.
Suffice it to say it was like a relatively strong, but ordinary, C1 side at home to a load of amateurs.
On the plus side we defended well.
Otherwise it could have got embarrassing.

Let's move on.
PS
We still need a number seven.
Flair-less!

we played much better when castle and deano where on the field in my opinion we need two big props as good as those two, i have not been impressed with hyde either prefere fawcett he has alot more pace and reads the game better, yesterday we took the wrong options too many times kicking early in the tackle count hyde guilty on three occaisons and missing our chances of witch we had many, emmit , waterman castle and deano worked their socks off along with kesik,we got carried away with last weeks performance,though i still think we are one of the better teams in this league