IT was not to be third time lucky for Phoenix as they suffered a heartbreaking defeat at Twickenham.

The Castle Park outfit had been beaten twice already this season by Castleford - losing by seven points on each occasion - but were hopeful of turning the tables on their Yorkshire Division Three rivals at the famous 82,000 capacity stadium.

Heading into the final ten minutes it looked like they would achieve their aim as they led 11-7 - until a late converted Castleford try broke Doncaster's hearts.

Phoenix director of rugby Bill Farley said: "They have beat us three times this season but they have all been tight games.

"We've reduced the margin from seven to three so maybe next time we can get one over on them!"

Nerves clearly influenced both sets of players during the opening exchanges and although neither team managed to retain possession for sustained periods it was Doncaster who shaded the first quarter.

Castleford missed the opportunity to draw first blood when fly half Steven Willett dragged a penalty wide, while Phoenix counterpart Tim Elliot, forced off at half time with a hamstring injury, also failed to score when he scuffed his long range attempt under the posts.

Castleford winger Lee Land, who had an earlier try ruled out after stepping into touch, handed the West Yorkshire side the lead on 28 minutes when he surged down the left to score.

This time there was no mistake from Willett whose conversion gave Castleford a 7-0 half time lead.

Phoenix's team talk at the interval seemed to produce the desired effect as they put Castleford on the back foot on the resumption.

And they soon got their reward when centre Ben Millar booted two penalties before the hour mark to close the deficit to 7-6 - and turn the heat up on their opponents.

From looking quite comfortable at the break Castleford started to lose their composure following Phoenix's strong start to the second half and another ruck offence gave Doncaster the chance to sneak ahead.

But Millar screwed his effort wide of the right hand post.

Still Phoenix pressed and they edged ahead for the first time when the Castleford defence finally buckled on 66 minutes.

Replacement prop Alani Kauhai, who entered the fray at half time, made an immediate impact by twisting his way past three defenders before powering over the line.

It handed Phoenix an 11-7 lead despite Millar failing to add the extras.

But then man of the match Land showed blistering pace down the left to leave the tiring Phoenix defence standing and, after initially appearing to have no support, he continued his mazy run across the field to eventually set up the supporting Jason Dunwell for an easy walk-in try.

Castleford's replacement fly half Ian Mattison wrapped up victory with the simplest of conversions to send Phoenix home disappointed.

Farley added: "Obviously all the lads are gutted but they can hold their heads up high.