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.

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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.

 

Doncaster Knights can confirm that Joe Jones has been released from his contract with immediate effect to take up an opportunity in the Premiership with Harlequins.

Jones departs the club having made just under 50 appearances. After first joining on a short-term spell in 2020, he returned for the 2024/25 season and went on to become an influential figure within the squad and an integral part of the club environment.

Head Coach Darren Fearn said:

“Joey’s been excellent for us and he’s earned this opportunity. It’s another player progressing to the Premiership from Doncaster knights, that’s a credit to his work and the environment here.

“We’re ambitious as a club and we want players who perform at a level that attracts the top tier. Joey has done that. He’ll be missed, however we’re confident in the strength and depth of our group, and we’re excited about the competition for that No.3 shirt.”

Everyone at the club is delighted for Jones, and wishes him all the best best as he makes the step back up to the top level. 

Darren Fearn and Sir Ian McGeechan have named their team to face Chinnor at Kinsey Road tomorrow night.

Cole Keith comes into the front row to start at tighthead, alongside loosehead Conor Davidson and hooker Ben Chapman.

In the second row, captain Ben Murphy partners Morgan Jones once again, with an unchanged back row behind them: East Timor Vilimau and Rhys Tait on the flanks, and Jasper McGuire at number eight.

The backline is unchanged for the fourth week running, with Dolly and Bennett at half-back and Edwards and Margetts in the centres. Zach Kerr and Ryan Olowofela take up the wings, while Telusa Veainu remains at full-back.

On the bench, we opt for a 6/2 split. Fred Davies is the replacement hooker, alongside props Conor Davidson and Ethan Hulme, with Ehize Ehizode, Josh Bainbridge and Adam Hopkinson the remaining forward options. Scrum-half Ollie Fox returns from injury to take his place among the replacements, along with utility back, Matt McNab.

SQUAD: 1. Logovi’i Mulipola 2. Ben Chapman, 3. Cole Keith, 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. Conor Davidson, 18. Ethan Hulme, 19. Ehize Ehizode, 20. Josh Bainbridge, 21.Adam Hopkinson, 22. Ollie Fox, 23. Matt McNab  

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

Doncaster Knights put in an impressive attacking display to score half a century of points against Bedford Blues at Castle Park.

Hooker Ben Chapman kicked off the try-scoring with two in a row, as the Knights’ dominant maul sent him over twice. Bennett converted one of the two to give Donny a 12–0 lead.

After a strong defensive set from the Knights, and a Ryan Olowofela intercept initially holding out the Blues, the visitors were given another opportunity from a tap penalty. They executed it well, sending Tui Uru over to leave the half-time score at 12–5.

Olowofela opened the scoring in the second half just minutes in. Margetts carried hard and popped the ball up to Dolly, who threw a long pass to Veainu. Veainu drew in the final defender before popping it to Olowofela, and the winger powered over in the corner. 17–5.

Rhys Tait then showed unbelievable work rate, timing his tackle on the receiver of a high ball to perfection before jumping back up and winning the ball at the breakdown. Bennett kicked the penalty to the corner, and a few phases after the lineout, Tait powered onto a pop pass to dive over. Bennett added the extras, 24–5.

The backs soon got their hands on the ball again and worked it wide to Kerr, who produced a brilliant kick down the wing. The kick was chased by Kerr and Edwards but gathered by Bedford. That proved no issue for Donny, as Edwards was straight into the breakdown to win the ball. Bennett kicked for the five-metre lineout, and after Chapman broke away from the maul, the ball was shipped across to Edwards, who ran onto it at pace and stretched over. Conversion added, 31–5.

A real blockbuster try followed. Just as Bedford looked to be building momentum and were camped on the line, a wide pass was snatched by Veainu. He took off for the line, showing brilliant pace to go the full length and score. Bennett added the extras from out wide. 38–5.

Rhys Tait then claimed his second as Donny began to throw the ball around with confidence. The backline offloaded at will to bring the Knights into the 22, and Kerr’s long pass found Tait, who bumped off the final defender to finish in the corner. Another conversion from Bennett made it 45–5.

Bedford grabbed a late consolation try before the full-time whistle, as Ben Griffin drove his way over. But the Knights reminded Castle Park who was in charge with one final score. Quick ball in attack allowed Edwards to power through Bedford’s defence and create space. He sent a long pass out to Kerr, who used his pace to finish in the corner.

Full-time score: 50–12.

Next week, Doncaster face Chinnor R.F.C. on Friday night, before returning to Castle Park in a fortnight to take on league leaders Ealing Trailfinders. We need all the support we can get so clear your diaries and grab your tickets now!

Darren Fearn and Sir Ian McGeechan have named their squad to face second in the league, Bedford Blues, this weekend.

In the front row, Logovi’i Mulipola comes back into the starting line-up alongside Ben Chapman at hooker. They join tighthead Joe Jones, who has started every game since his return from injury.

Morgan Jones starts in the second row to partner captain Ben Murphy. Two key players are back from injury in the back row, as Rhys Tait returns at 7 and Jasper McGuire at 8. This sees East Timor Viliamu move to 6.

Our backline is unchanged once again, with Russell Bennett reaching 50 caps for the club. He partners Alex Dolly as our half-back duo. In the centres are Connor Edwards and Joe Margetts, with Zach Kerr and Ryan Olowofela on the wings. Telusa Veainu retains the 15 shirt.

On the bench, the front-row replacements are loosehead Conor Davidson, tighthead Cole Keith, and hooker Fred Davies. Ehize Ehizode and Josh Bainbridge make up the remainder of the forwards. The half-back replacements are Cameron Kelemeti and Morgan Bunting, with Aidan Cross as the utility back.

Secure your tickets now to cheer on the Knights!  Scotland v England will be shown in the concourse post game! So join us for an exciting day of back to back rugby. 

SQUAD: 1. Logovi’i Mulipola 2. Ben Chapman, 3. Joe Jones, 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. Conor Davidson, 18. Cole Keith, 19. Ehize Ehizode, 20. Josh Bainbridge, 21. Cameron Nordli-Kelemeti, 22. Morgan Bunting, 23. Aidan Cross.  

Unavailable for selection: Andrew Turner, Josh Williams, Thom Smith, Semesa Rokoduguni, Olllie Fox, Jordan Olowofela, Matt McNab, Lewis Thiede, Adam Hopkinson, Connor Hancock, Tye Raymont

Doncaster Knights were defeated 25-20 by a strong Worcester Warriors side in a tight contest at Sixways Stadium. 

The Knights put some early points on the board as Bennett kicked a penalty just minutes in, giving Doncaster a 0-3 lead. 

The lead didn’t last long however as Worcester snapped back, working their way up the pitch before a penalty allowed them to kick for a 5m line out. They showed their dominance with a solid driving maul that powered them over. 5-3.

Doncaster then showed brilliant fight when defending on the try line. Worcester’s forwards spent many phases trying to push over the line, but the Knights put in hit after hit and eventually they forced a Worcester knock on. 

Despite the Knights efforts, Worcester soon found themselves back in attack. The hosts displayed some impressive offloading to move the ball up the wing, before shifting it back inside to a supporting Hallam Chapman. Chapman finished the job, They added the conversion 12-3. 

Donny followed this up with yet another big defensive set, the forwards worked hard to win a penalty while defending Worcester’s maul just 5m out. Bennett then kicked the Knights out the 22 to relieve some pressure, but Worcester soon found themselves threatening again. 

The Knights continued to put the hits in, and managed to force another Worcester knock on just short of the line. A few phases later and Connor Edwards put in a huge shot, his tackle left the breakdown exposed and Donny were able to snatch possession.

As a result of the Knights strong defence, Worcester settled for the three points to extent their lead. 15-3. 

Donny then worked well to keep themselves in the game ahead of the break. Ryan Olowofela took a quick line out, passing the ball back inside to Veainu. Veainu showed his skill to dance around Worcester’s defence, before firing a long ball out wide to Margetts. Margetts used his pace to go over in the corner. Bennett slotted the kick from out wide. 

Half time score 15-10. 

Worcester snatched some early points in the second half as a penalty put them 18-10 up. However, Bennett used his boot again to bring Donny back within a try. 18-13. 

The Knights then continued to fight and a penalty allowed them to kick for a 5m line out. The forwards executed the set piece perfectly, throwing a long ball to the back of the line, and following it up with a dominant drive that sent East Timor Viliamu over to level the scores. Bennett slotted the extra two, putting Donny ahead with just 5 minutes remaining. 

Despite the Knights’ strong defensive efforts, Worcester proved to be the better team on the day, as they worked themselves up to the try line again with the clock in the red. Doncaster defended the rolling maul well, but a quick ball out to the back line allowed them to exploit the space and dive over the line. 

The added conversion meant the full time score was 25-20. The Knights take a losing bonus point, and turn their attention to Bedford at home next weekend. 

Secure your tickets now and support the Knights at Castle Park. 

Darren Fearn and Sir Ian McGeechan have named their team to travel to Worcester Warriors tomorrow. Adam Hopkinson is set to reach his 50th Doncaster Knight appearance on the day. 

Our starting front row remains unchanged with Conor Davidson and Joe Jones as the props, and Fred Davies the hooker in the middle. Captain Ben Murphy returns from injury to start in the second row alongside Morgan Jones. 

Our half-centurion Adam Hopkinson shifts to the back row, joined by Josh Bainbridge on the other flank and East Timor Viliamu at eight. 

Ben Chapman is our replacement hooker, with Logovi’i Mulipola and Cole Keith the spare front row. Ehize Ehizode is the second row on the bench, with Corey Tait proving cover in the back row. 

Our backline is completely unchanged from the squad that defeated Cornish Pirates last week. Alex Dolly and Russell Bennett are the half backs, with Connor Edwards and Joe Margetts in the centre. Ryan Olowofela and Zach Kerr start on the wing, with Telusa Veainu at full back. 

Scrum half Cameron Kelemeti and fly half Morgan Bunting are named on the bench, with Aidan Cross the final back replacement. 

SQUAD: 1. Conor Davidson 2. Fred Davies, 3. Joe Jones, 4. Ben Murphy (C), 5. Morgan Jones, 6. Adam Hopkinson 7. Josh Bainbridge, 8. East Timor Viliamu, 9. Alex Dolly. 10. Russell Bennett, 11. Zach Kerr, 12. Connor Edwards 13. Joe Margetts, 14. Ryan Olowofela, 15. Telusa Veainu

REPLACEMENTS: 16. Ben Chapman, 17. Logovi’i Mulipola, 18. Cole Keith, 19. Ehize Ehizode, 20. Corey Tait, 21. Cameron Nordli-Kelemeti, 22. Morgan Bunting, 23. Aidan Cross.  

Unavailable for selection: Andrew Turner, Josh Williams, Thom Smith, Semesa Rokoduguni, Olllie Fox, Jordan Olowofela, Matt McNab, Jasper McGuire, Rhys Tait, Lewis Thiede, Connor Hancock, Tye Raymont

You can watch the game LIVE at Castle Park where we will be showing the steam, followed by the showing of England V Wales in the Six nations!

On Saturday, Castle Park will be open and showing the live streaming of Worcester Warriors v Doncaster Knights, followed by England V Wales (Six Nations). 

Fans are welcome to come to the ground and watch both games back to back with fellow Knights fans! 

The bar will be open from 2pm. 

Worcester Warriors v Doncaster Knights – 2:30pm KO

England v Wales – 4:40pm KO