Game Preview: @ Doncaster Mustangs
Sat Jul 10 2021
Doncaster Mustangs vs. Yorkshire Academy Rams
11 July 2021, 2pm
Wheatley Hill RUFC, Doncaster
Latest results:
- White Rose Division, 27 June 2021: Doncaster Mustangs 17-24 Humber Warhawks
- White Rose Division, 4 July 2021: Sheffield Giants A-A Yorkshire Academy Rams
One To Watch
#17 Joe Mills
In his first game running the Rams offense, Mills looked confident under centre letting a few rip with his strong left arm and helping to establish the run game early.
It was the mobile QBs' running that really caught the eye early on, showing great agility and toughness when taking on the Giants defense. This toughness was rewarded with the Rams first touchdown of the season on the back of a great first drive.
Look for Mills to continue with more of the same and throw his talented bunch of receivers open against the Mustangs.
Image credit: Dave Tidswell
One To Watch
#87 Spencer Whybrow
No stranger to the Rams, former WR and DB Whybrow is a player that knows the Rams defense well and, with years of playing experience and an extensive knowledge of the game, makes for a very dangerous asset for the Mustangs.
Having scored a touchdown on debut for Doncaster in the first game, Whybrow would love nothing more than to get another TD ticked off against his former teammates. Look out for some sharp route-running from the veteran come Sunday.
Image credit: Nathan Sharrocks
Last 5 meetings:
- 25 June 2017: Doncaster Mustangs 14 - 34 RAMS
- 14 May 2017: RAMS 34 - 12 Doncaster Mustangs
- 20 July 2014: Doncaster Mustangs 6 - 30 RAMS
- 28 April 2013: RAMS 6 - 28 Doncaster Mustangs
- 01 July 2012: RAMS 0 - 34 Doncaster Mustangs
For all previous meetings, click here.
Summary
After 707 days away from competitive football, 4 July 2021 was meant to be the Rams’ Independence Day, but a trip to Sheffield was cut short at the half as the thud of pads was masked by claps of thunder as a lightning storm laid waste to the day.
Football is a sport that requires a short memory and the Rams will have the chance to erase last week’s abandonment from their minds with another trip to South Yorkshire, this time to face the Mustangs in Doncaster.
In the half of football the Rams put together against the Giants, there were exciting plays on both offense and defense and after a week of watching film and practice to iron out the first game jitters, the Rams will be hoping to get rolling early come Sunday.
The Rams hold a record of 12-4-2 over 18 fixtures against the Mustangs but with it being a little over four years since the last meeting between the two sides, both camps will be excited to lock horns once again.
The Mustangs are coming into this game off a bye week, having narrowly lost 24-17 to the Humber Warhawks the week before. Humber initially went 18-0 up before the Mustangs responded with a touchdown of their own on a connection that will be very familiar to Rams fans - former players Taylor Umland and Spencer Whybrow connecting on an 11 yard pass play.
Another passing touchdown from Umland, this time to Curtis Reynolds, brought the Mustangs back into the game late on and seemingly with all the momentum, however time expired with the ball on the Humber 6-yard line.
The Mustangs have had a free week to take stock of their first game and will be up for the challenge of the travelling Rams, the Rams on the other hand will be raring to go after their first game ended in an abandonment. Add in the prospect of ex-Rams players facing their old team in the green jersey of Doncaster and we’re set for a blockbuster affair.