A late penalty try gives Caldy the win at Castle Park
3rd January 2026
Doncaster Knights fall short against Caldy as a penalty try with the clock in the red gifts the visitors a 27-28 win.
The Knights started bright as they got themselves over the line in the first minute, Josh Bainbridge broke through the line into space, before moving the ball to Rhys Tait. Tait was tackled just short of the line, but the Knights moved the ball quickly and a few phases later, Adam Hopkinson drove over the line. Morgan Bunting added the extras. 7-0.
Caldy demonstrated early on that it wouldn’t be easy for the Knights, as they snatched a try back almost instantly. Obi Ene made a big break to bring them into the 22, before they shifted the ball to the opposition winger, finding a way over in the corner. The added conversion levelled the scores 7-7.
Zach Kerr put in a brilliant kick over the top of Caldy’s defence, which Jordan Olowofela chased down brilliantly before finishing in the corner. 12-7
Another home try followed as the ball is moved quickly up the wing by Rhys Tait and J Olowofela to bring Donny into the 22. The Knights continued to attack and a huge carry from Joe Margetts finished the job, the centre shrugged off multiple defenders to drive the ball over the line. Bunting’s conversion was successful, 19-7.
The visitors then kept the scores close, as they claimed the final try of the first half through a dominant rolling maul, half time score 19-12.
Caldy carried their momentum into the second half as they opened the scores. A little chip through is chased and grounded by Charlie Hyde, with the conversion putting them ahead 19-21.
Caldy weren’t given the lead for long as a solid penalty kick from Bunting edged Doncaster back ahead. And the fly half continued to work his magic for the Knight’s next try, placing a perfect cross field kick into the arms of Ryan Olowofela, 27-21.
The Knights worked hard to hold Caldy out with a huge defensive set, winning the ball in the driving maul and stopping Caldy from 5m out. Unfortunately for the home team it wasn’t quite enough as Caldy found themselves back on the line with the clock in the red, and a penalty try meant they were awarded the full seven points to claim a 27-28 win.
The Knights now have a two week break before facing Cambridge away on January 24. They return to Castle Park on January 31st to face Cornish Pirates, secure your tickets here.
