Doncaster Knights returned to winning ways at Castle Park with a hard-fought 35–22 victory against Hartpury.

The Knights crossed the try line in the very first minute. Receiving the kick-off, Kerr made a break out wide and offloaded to McNab, who carried strongly up the wing before feeding Edwards on the inside. The centre ran in untouched from there. Bennett added the extras to make it 7–0.

Hartpury responded by building possession and applying pressure, but Doncaster’s defence held firm. The visitors opted for three points, with Bazalgette slotting the penalty to reduce the deficit to 7–3.

The Knights were soon back defending their own line, holding out for a sustained five-minute period with some huge hits. Eventually, Hartpury’s number eight, Tom Worts, showed his strength to power over, and the conversion put them ahead at 7–10.

Hartpury added another in similar fashion after extended pressure near the line, with Harry Short driving over under the posts. The simple conversion stretched the lead to 7–17.

Doncaster continued to push and worked their way into the opposition 22. A driving maul on the line was illegally collapsed by Hartpury, resulting in a penalty try and a yellow card, reducing the visitors to 14 men. The score moved to 14–17.

The Knights carried that momentum straight from the restart, returning to the Hartpury line. Ben Chapman powered over to give Doncaster the lead just before half-time. Bennett’s conversion made it 21–17 at the break.

Doncaster started the second half positively with an excellent team try. Viliami Taulani picked from the scrum and moved the ball through the backs. Jasper McGuire carried strongly before offloading to Bennett, who quickly found Aidan Cross. The winger cut in off his flank, hit a perfect line at pace, and powered through to score. Bennett added the extras once again, extending the lead to 28–17.

The remainder of the game saw Doncaster largely on the defensive, showing real determination to hold firm. Key lineout steals from Josh Bainbridge and Ben Murphy helped keep Hartpury at bay.

However, with Jasper McGuire in the sin bin, Hartpury eventually capitalised on the overlap. Former Knight Robbie Smith finished well out wide to close the gap to 28–22.

Hartpury threatened again, but Jordan Olowofela reacted quickest to a loose ball, hacking it downfield before regathering inside the 22. With support arriving, the Knights shifted the ball quickly across the pitch, and with the clock in the red, Cross crossed for his second try of the evening.

Bennett converted the final kick to maintain his 100% record from the tee, sealing a 35–22 victory.

The Knights travel to Ampthill next weekend before returning to Castle Park in a fortnight for another Friday night clash.

Secure your tickets now and support the Knights during the final push of the season, 

Darren Fearn and Sir Ian McGeechan have named the following team to face Hartpury in a Friday night clash at Castle Park.

In the front row, Logovi’i Mulipola comes into the starting line-up to join tighthead Cole Keith. After scoring off the bench last week, Ben Chapman returns to the starting hooker spot, with Fred Davies named among the replacements. The replacement props are loosehead Drew Turner and tighthead Lewis Thiede.

The second row remains unchanged, with Adam Hopkinson and captain Ben Murphy. In the back row, Jasper McGuire returns to the starting line-up alongside Josh Bainbridge and Viliamu East Timor. Morgan Jones and Rhys Tait are the remaining replacement forwards.

Ollie Fox gets the start at scrum-half this week, with Russell Bennett shifting back to fly-half following the return of Telusa Veainu at full-back. Connor Edwards keeps the 12 shirt, while Zach Kerr finally returns at outside centre. Joe Margetts is named on the bench. Aidan Cross and Matt McNab take up the wings, with Jordan Olowofela set to make his return from injury off the bench.

SQUAD: 1. Logovi’i Mulipola,  2. Ben Chapman, 3. Cole Keith, 4. Adam Hopkinson, 5. Ben Murphy (C), 6. Jasper McGuire 7. Josh Bainbridge, 8. East Timor Viliamu, 9. Ollie Fox, 10. Russell Bennett, 11. Aidan Cross, 12. Connor Edwards 13. Zach Kerr, 14. Matt McNab, 15. Telusa Veainu.

REPLACEMENTS: 16. Fred Davies, 17. Andrew Turner, 18. Lewis Thiede, 19. Morgan Jones, 20. Rhys Tait, 21. Alex Dolly, 22. Joe Margetts, 23. J Olowofela. 

Unavailable for selection: Josh Williams, Thom Smith, Semesa Rokoduguni, Ryan Olowofela

Unavailable loan players: Patreece Bell, Connor Hancock, Tye Raymont

GET TICKETS FOR THIS GAME HERE

Doncaster Knights Events are hiring an Events Executive at Castle Park.

The successful candidate will play a key role in driving the growth of Doncaster Knights’ events and hospitality business. Based at Castle Park Stadium, the role will focus on generating new business & securing profitable business from inbound enquiries for conferences, corporate events, private functions, proms, weddings, etc while supporting the marketing and promotion of the venue and events programme.

This person will be highly proactive and lead the sales journey from initial enquiry and/or outreach through to event delivery support and post-event follow-up, ensuring an exceptional client experience and identifying opportunities for repeat business.

Job Title – Events Executive including Sales & Marketing
Location – Doncaster, South Yorkshire – Castle Park Stadium
Start Date – ASAP
Salary Range – £28,000 – £32,000
Type of Work – Office-based with event attendance and occasional evening/weekend work

Read the full job description here: Events Sales & Marketing Executive

To Apply: Please email Tracey Owen, [email protected] with a CV and covering letter by Friday 10^th April.

The hosts opened the scoring early with a penalty that gave them entry into the 22. After multiple phases of strong carries, the forwards eventually drove over the line, and the successful conversion handed Coventry a 7–0 lead.

The Knights responded by winning a scrum penalty to return to attack. Sustained pressure eventually paid off when a quick pass to Rhys Tait allowed him to power over for Doncaster’s first try, narrowing the score to 7–5.

Allan Ferrie then struck twice in quick succession. The first came after a powerful break through the middle by Nayalo, who created space for Ferrie to run in unopposed. Ferrie soon added a second with a strong drive over the line, extending Coventry’s lead to 19–5.

The Knights enjoyed a period of possession and showed promising attacking intent, but were unable to convert pressure into points, with Coventry’s resolute defence and a number of individual errors proving costly.Coventry added another try before the break after a scrum penalty gave them field position in the 22, finishing with another powerful carry.

Half-time: 24–5.

Doncaster started the second half brightly, with Bunting producing an excellent penalty kick to touch to set up an attacking lineout five metres out. The forwards executed well, and Ben Chapman drove over for the try, with Bennett adding the extras to make it 24–12.

After winning the aerial contest, Coventry regained possession and moved the ball effectively before Johnson crossed the line, extending the lead to 29–12.

The Knights remained in the contest, working their way back upfield through strong forward carries. Jasper McGuire finished the move, powering over in the corner to bring the score to 34–17.

Coventry responded with two more tries. The first came from Morgan Adderly-Jones, who picked from the base of the ruck and dove over. The second followed a quick counter-attack, as Coventry capitalised on a loose ball and broke into space. Bunting looked set to make the cover tackle but was unfortunate to slip, allowing the hosts to run the length and stretch the lead to 41–17.

Doncaster had the final say, earning a losing bonus point with a late try. Russell Bennett reacted quickest to an overthrown lineout, gathering the loose ball and offloading to Connor Edwards, who powered through contact to score. Bennett added the conversion.

Full-time: 44–24.

The Knights return to home action next week as they face Hartpury RFC on Friday night. Secure your tickets now and get behind the Knights as they look to finish the season on a high.

Darren Fearn and Sir Ian McGeechan have named their side to face Coventry at the Nick Newbold Stadium tomorrow.

Andrew Turner and Cole Keith start in the front row, with Fred Davies packing down at hooker. Captain Ben Murphy partners Adam Hopkinson in the second row.

The back row sees Josh Bainbridge and Rhys Tait on the flanks, with Viliamu at number eight.

In the backs, Morgan Bunting comes in at fly-half, while Russell Bennet provides cover at full-back. Alex Dolly starts at scrum-half, and the centre partnership remains unchanged, with Connor Edwards and Joe Margetts continuing together in midfield.

Zach Kerr and Matt McNab are named on the wings.

On the bench, Ben Chapman provides cover at hooker, with Logovi’i Mulipola and Lewis Thiede named as replacement props. Morgan Jones and Jasper McGuire complete the forward replacements.

Ollie Fox is the replacement scrum-half, while Semesa Rokoduguni is set to return from injury from the bench. Aidan Cross is also included among the replacements.

SQUAD: 1. Andrew Turner,  2. Ben Chapman, 3. Cole Keith, 4. Adam Hopkinson, 5. Ben Murphy (C), 6. Josh Bainbridge 7. Rhys Tait, 8. East Timor Viliamu, 9. Alex Dolly, 10. Morgan Bunting, 11. Zach Kerr, 12. Connor Edwards 13. Joe Margetts, 14. Matt McNab, 15. Russell Bennett.

REPLACEMENTS: 16. Ben Chapman, 17. Logovi’i Mulipola, 18. Lewis Thiede, 19. Morgan Jones, 20. Jasper McGuire, 21. Ollie Fox 22. Aidan Cross, 23. Semesa Rokoduguni. 

Unavailable for selection: Josh Williams, Thom Smith, Telusa Veainu, Conor Davidson, Ryan Olowofela 

Unavailable loan players: Patreece Bell, Connor Hancock, Tye Raymont

Support the whole Doncaster Rugby community with an exciting weekend of rugby at Castle Park on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd March.

Saturday kicks off with a big occasion for the club’s junior section, as Doncaster U14s take on Yarnbury U14s in the Yorkshire Cup Final. The match gets underway at 11:00am on Pitch 1, promising a fantastic showcase of young talent.

Later in the day, attention turns to the senior side as Doncaster Knights face Coventry, with coverage available via live stream. Kick-off is scheduled for 3:00pm, with bar details to be confirmed.

The action continues into Sunday, with an exciting Doncaster Demons double header, as the women’s rugby continues to go from strength to strength at Castle Park. 

The 1XV host Trafford at 2:00pm on Pitch 1 and the 2XV take on Retford at 3:00pm on Pitch 4 (artificial pitch)

It’s set to be a full weekend of rugby for players, supporters, and families alike come down and show your support!

Doncaster Knights showed resilience in front of the Castle Park crowd but were ultimately beaten 29–7 by a clinical Ealing Trailfinders side.

The visitors made a fast start and capitalised on early pressure to build a lead through number 8, Will Montgomery who drove over the line. 0-7

Despite limited possession, the Knights defended with determination, putting in some big shifts at the breakdown and forcing errors when Ealing looked threatening. 

Joe Margetts’ sharp interception halted one attack. However, Ealing’s accuracy eventually told as they scored a second try heading into the break by moving the ball out wide, 0-14. 

The second half followed a similar pattern, with the Trailfinders capitalising on Knights penalties to gain territory and scoring two more tries by shipping the ball out wide again. 0-26. They also added an additional three when the Knights were penalised for being offside. 0-29

Doncaster continued to compete fiercely, and when a penalty finally went their way, Castle Park cheered the officials.

The backline moved the ball well and an impressive break down the wing from McNab sparked an attack, carrying powerfully into the 22 before quick ball allowed Bunting to produce a pinpoint cross-field kick to Kerr, who finished well in the corner. 5-29. 

Bunting added the conversion to complete a deserved 7 points for the resilient Knights. 7-29.

The Knights now take a two week break before turning their attention to Coventry away in March. 

Darren Fearne and Sir Ian McGeechan have named their squad to face Ealing Trailfinders at Castle Park on Saturday.

Logovi’i Mulipola shifts across to tighthead and partners Conor Davidson in the front row. Ben Chapman retains the number two shirt and starts at hooker for another week, with Fred Davies set to provide cover from the bench. Cole Keith, who played a stellar 80 minutes at tighthead last week, is named among the replacements alongside loosehead Andrew Turner, who is set to return from a long-term injury.

Captain Ben Murphy starts in the second row alongside Morgan Jones, while the back row also remains unchanged. East Timor Viliamu and Rhys Tait continue on the flanks, with Jasper McGuire at number eight. Adam Hopkinson is named on the bench, joined by fellow forward Josh Bainbridge.

The starting backline is once again unchanged, with Alex Dolly and Russell Bennett pulling the strings at half-back. Connor Edwards and Joe Margetts combine in the centres, while Zach Kerr, Ryan Olowofela and Telusa Veainu complete the back three.

Ollie Fox and Morgan Bunting are named as the half-back replacements, with Matt McNab providing utility back cover from the bench.

Secure your ticket to this game here!

SQUAD: 1. Conor Davidson,  2. Ben Chapman, 3. Logovi’i Mulipola, 4. Ben Murphy (C), 5. Morgan Jones, 6. East Timor Viliamu 7. Rhys Tait, 8. Jasper McGuire, 9. Alex Dolly. 10. Russell Bennett, 11. Zach Kerr, 12. Connor Edwards 13. Joe Margetts, 14. Ryan Olowofela, 15. Telusa Veainu

REPLACEMENTS: 16. Fred Davies, 17. Andrew Turner, 18. Cole Keith, 19. Adam Hopkinson, 20. Josh Bainbridge, 21. Ollie Fox 22. Morgan Bunting, 23. Matt McNab. 

Unavailable for selection: Josh Williams, Thom Smith, Semesa Rokoduguni, Jordan Olowofela, Lewis Thiede, Connor Hancock, Tye Raymont

The hosts were first over the line as scrum-half Luke Carter picked the ball from the back of the breakdown and dummied his way into space. 0–5.

Chinnor spent the remainder of the first 15 minutes in attack, but Doncaster showed their fight to prevent them from scoring again. Ben Murphy found his way underneath the ball to hold them up, and after going back for a Chinnor penalty, the backline were quickly off the line in defence to force the knock-on.

Doncaster then switched on the attack as a well-executed line-out allowed Ben Chapman to wrap around and pop the ball to Olowofela. The winger ran onto the ball at pace and sliced through to go over. Bennett added the extras to put the Knights ahead, 5–7.

Olowofela then snatched a second almost instantly as the backline moved the ball out to Veainu, who drew in the final defender with his notorious footwork before giving the final pass to Olowofela. He used his pace to go the rest of the way.

His third try came on the half-hour mark. Veainu carried hard and bumped off one defender before throwing a one-handed pass to Olowofela. He snatched it above his head and powered through the final defender to finish. 5–17.

Zach Kerr made a break up the wing to put Donny back into the 22, and the forwards flooded in to support, clearing out the breakdown quickly. Dolly shipped the ball to Jasper McGuire, who stormed onto it at pace and flew over the line. Bennett added the extras, leaving the half-time score at 5–24.

The second half started well for the Knights as a scrum penalty from the forwards gifted Bennett the opportunity to kick to touch. The line-out was executed well and the forwards spent time at the line drawing in defenders. The ball was then moved through the backs, and a long pass to Veainu allowed him to run it in. Bennett added another two, 5–31.

A yellow card went Doncaster’s way after conceding too many penalties while defending the line, and Chinnor capitalised on the overlap, scoring two tries in quick succession.

The first came when their centre powered into space and distributed to the wing. Matt McNab tackled his opposite winger, but quick ball to Will Cave allowed the hosts to finish the job. The conversion was added, 10–31.

The second try came from the set piece, as quick ball from the line-out allowed them to power over the line. Conversion successful, 19–31.

Doncaster had the final say as McNab chased down Bennett’s kick-off and tapped it back to keep the Knights in attack. Donny found space up the wing, and a final offload to Fred Davies opened the space for him to drive over.

Full-time score: 19–36

Doncaster now turn their attention to facing league leaders Ealing next week. Secure your ticket now and be part of our 16th man.