MIDLANDS Hurricanes were beaten 48-20 by Doncaster RLFC in the franchises’ first league match under their new name.
Benn Hardcastle, Phil Cowburn and Sean Croston all crossed for the Midlands club only for two yellow cards shortly before half time to prove costly at the Eco-Power Stadium.
And the Hurricanes began their first season in sensational style as they raced into a 10-point lead thanks to a try and three goals from Hardcastle.
However, two quickfire tries from Jason Tali and a further score from Conor Robinson handed the Dons an eight-point advantage.
And both teams then had a player sent to the sin bin with Hardcastle and Doncaster’s Leon Ruan removed only for the visitors to score their second try through Cowburn.
The Hurricanes were temporarily reduced to 11-men shortly before half time when Tyler Walton was sent to the sin bin, trailing Doncaster by four points at the break.
And the home side made the most of their advantage by running in four tries in the opening 15 minutes of the second period as Misi Taulapapa, Aaron Ollett-Hobson, Ben Johnston and Jack Sanderson all touched down to take the game out of the Hurricanes reach.
The Midlands side scored a consolation try through Croston only for Doncaster’s Ruan to have the final say and complete the scoring with the hosts eighth try of the afternoon.
Hurricanes boss Rich Squires said: “We started the game really well and out-enthused Doncaster. Our starting forwards really laid a marker and allowed us to play off the back of it.
“Unfortunately, lack of discipline and allowing Doncaster to have a large percentage of possession early in the second half took its toll.”
The Hurricanes play their first home game against Swinton Lions on Sunday, April 3 with kick-off at 3pm at Portway.
