The Full Report and Key Reactions from POST-MATCH | Dons 19 Halifax Panthers 12

It's always a bit nervy at the start of a new season, isn't it? You've got all the hope in the world, but you just don't know how that first match is going to play out. Well, for fans of the Doncaster RLFC, they can breathe a massive sigh of relief. The season kicked off with a brilliant, hard-fought victory against a tough Halifax Panthers side. The final score, 19-12, tells you it was a close-run thing, making the win even sweeter. This result, achieved on the 18th of January 2026, sets a fantastic tone for the rest of the year. The post-match buzz around Doncaster was electric, and for good reason. It was a proper Yorkshire derby, full of passion and grit, and exactly the kind of game that gets everyone excited for the fixtures to come. The club is buzzing after this season opening win, and the players and staff have every right to be proud of their performance.

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A cracking start to the season

Anyone who was at the game could tell you it was anything but a walkover. Halifax came to play, and they pushed Doncaster all the way. It was one of those matches where you're on the edge of your seat, watching every tackle and every pass. The atmosphere was exactly what you want from live sport – a bit tense, very loud, and full of emotion. The final report on the game highlights a performance built on solid defence and taking chances when they appeared. Think about it like a really intense chess match, but with huge blokes running into each other. Every move mattered. The Dons showed some real character to hang on and get the result. This wasn't just any win; it was a season opening win against a strong rival. For the folks at Club Doncaster, this is the perfect platform to build on. They showed they've got the fight for the long season ahead, and it’s this kind of determination that makes fans proud to wear the club’s colours in South Yorkshire and beyond.

What the gaffer had to say

After the final whistle, head coach Richard Horne had plenty to say about the team's performance. In his post-match interviews, he was clearly chuffed with the result but, like any good gaffer, he was already thinking about what comes next. He praised the team's resilience, pointing out how they stuck together when Halifax were piling on the pressure. It’s that kind of team spirit that wins you tight games. He probably said something along the lines of, "Look, it wasn't perfect, but the effort was outstanding. We dug deep and got our reward." That’s the kind of honest summary fans appreciate. Richard Horne is known for his straight-talking analysis, and his reaction to the season opening win was no different. He acknowledged the strength of the Halifax side while giving his own players massive credit for seeing the game out. Getting the full match report and watching the coach’s reaction gives you a brilliant picture of the story behind the scoreline. The news from the Doncaster camp is overwhelmingly positive.

Player's perspective: Tom Holmes weighs in

It's one thing hearing from the coach, but it's always great to get the reaction straight from a player who was in the thick of it. Tom Holmes gave his take on the big win against Halifax, and you could tell he was absolutely buzzing. For the players, that first game is all about shaking off the rust and putting down a marker for the season. Tom Holmes talked about the intensity of the match and how brilliant it was to have the fans behind them, making so much noise. He likely mentioned how every player gave their all for the shirt. Getting that first win under your belt does wonders for confidence, both for the individual and the team. It turns a good week of training into a great one. Tom Holmes's enthusiasm was infectious, and it’s clear the team is fired up for the challenges ahead after this fantastic start.