DONCASTER hat-trick hero Cory Aston is making the most of being at the top of the club try-scoring chart – because he doesn’t expect to be there much longer.
The close-season signing from neighbours Sheffield crossed three times as Goole were defeated 32-16 at the Eco-Power Stadium, a third win on the spin and fourth in five league games so far for Richard Horne’s fourth-placed team.
That took the halfback to seven in six Dons appearances to date, one more than Papua New Guinean winger Edene Gebbie, who notched once against Goole after scoring four in the previous 78-8 home victory over Salford.
It was 31-year-old Aston’s first try treble since Sheffield beat Barrow 38-22 in a Championship Summer Bash showdown at Blackpool in 2018.
And the former Castleford, London Broncos and Halifax man enjoyed the feat, explaining: “It’s always nice to get just one, and hat-tricks certainly don’t come around too often.
“I had a bit of a joke with Gebbie about having more than him so far, but I’m pretty sure he’ll sneak back above me soon.”
Next up for the Dons is Sunday’s home meeting with Widnes, and Aston added: “It will be a big test, but we’re looking forward to it.
“We went away from our processes at times against Goole and they took advantage, but we managed to get back on top.
“Were we happy with the performance? Probably not, but we were pleased to get the win, and we’ll work to tidy up a few things.”
Former Leeds and Castleford second rower Alex Sutcliffe made his 100th career appearance against Goole (32 of them have been for the Dons).
The club has confirmed details of their two fixtures against Barrow which are replacements for those which would have been against Featherstone.
Both are on Wednesdays – May 20 in South Yorkshire and August 12 in Cumbria.