Doncaster kept their hopes of promotion from Betfred League 1 alive with a commanding 31-10 victory over Hunslet in their all-or-nothing Elimination Play-Off at the Keepmoat Stadium on Sunday.
Hunslet scored first but their season was ended by a Doncaster side who shook off the early setback to dominate the contest and run in five tries, setting up a semi-final meeting against North Wales Crusaders who were beaten 28-14 by Keighley Cougars in the Qualifying Final on Saturday night.
Hunslet started brightly and led five minutes in when Dom Brambini's kick found Wayne Reittie to open the scoring in the corner, with Brambini converting to make it 6-0.
Aaron Ollett-Hobson was deemed to be held up when he looked to have replied for Doncaster with 11 minutes gone, but they would get their try just a few seconds later as Sam Smeaton found space to run through - with Matty Beharrell converting.
Doncaster were on top when Brandon Douglas powered over in the 19th minute, with Beharrell again converting for a 12-6 lead.
Beharrell's attempted drop goal came back off the crossbar in the 37th minute but Doncaster would extend their lead before the break as Liam Johnson touched down, with Beharrell padding the scoreline.
It was a slow start to the second half, but after Beharrell's 66th-minute drop goal put Doncaster further out of reach, Jake Sweeting effectively sealed it as he intercepted the ball and ran the length of the field for a try before Douglas added his second of the game late on.
Matty Chrimes got a consolation for Hunslet with four minutes remaining.
Scores
- North Wales Crusaders 14 Keighley Cougars 28
- Doncaster 31 Hunslet 10
