Doncaster Knights fell short 37-43, to Sale Sharks in a close Premiership Cup battle at Castle Park. 

Despite the result going the way of the visitors, Doncaster Knights played some brilliant rugby and showed their true potential with some well-worked tries. 

The Knights snatched the first points of the game as Russell Bennett slotted an early penalty for a 3 point lead. 

However, It was the Sharks who scored the first try as they displayed a very strong driving maul, which allowed their Hooker, Tadgh McElroy to get over the line. Fly half, Tom Curtis added the extras. Shortly after, Bennett kept the points ticking for the Knights as he scored a second penalty. 

Doncaster fought hard to win the ball back on multiple occasions, including great work at the breakdown from Morgan Strong and Thom Smith. Unfortunately, McElroy pounced on a loose ball and showed strength to get over the line again for the Sharks. Curtis added the extras and shortly after, another penalty. 

The Knights were trailing 6-17 but they kept flighting. Josh Williams showed great determination when defending the driving maul to get his hands on the player at the back, causing Sale to drop the ball when they tried to ship it out. The Knights then won a scrum penalty following the knock on, which they used to exit the 22. 

Doncaster carried the momentum into the next phase of play and George Wacokecoke gave his signature sneaky offload out the back to Jordan Olowofela, who showed his pace to get over the line. Bennett slotted the conversion comfortably from the touchline. 

The try ignited a fire in Doncaster as they continued to look dangerous, Morgan Strong made serious ground with a brilliant carry out the back of a scrum.

Jordan Olowofela then gifted the assist back to George Wacokecoke as he made a break around the halfway mark before offloading to Wacokecoke, allowing the centre to go the rest of the way. Wacokecoke slid under the posts to put the Knights in front. Bennett added the extras. 

More brilliant rugby from the Knights as Archie Smeaton positioned himself brilliantly at the breakdown, resulting in Sharks errors and a Doncaster penalty.

Thom Smith proved that forwards can do it all as he put in a brilliant nudge into space. His kick bounced into Olowofela’s arms and Donny worked their way up to the 5m line. After a few phases of carries, our brand new loan player Tom Currie drove his way over the line on debut. Bennett added another two points, leaving the half time score 27-17.

Wacokecoke and Olowofela kick off the second half in style as they worked together yet again, for another brilliant score. Wacokecoke saw the gap out wide and threw a long miss-pass out to Olowofela, who finished in the corner. 

Sale Sharks then reverted back to what worked at the start as McElroy scored a hat-trick off the back of another driving maul. This seemed to give the visitors a bit of a boost as they claimed another shortly after. Obi Ene went over on the wing when the Knights left a gap out wide and Tom Curtis put in a cross-field to Ene. Curtis also scored the conversion.

Harry Davey then delivered great energy to the next play as he chased down the kick off and put in a tackle on the receiver. This allowed the Knights to turn the ball over at the breakdown.

They kept the momentum as Alex Dolly chipped the ball over for Telusa Veainu to collect and carry over the line. Gifting a well deserved try to Veainu who had spent the game showing his fantastic footwork and making countless carries. 

The Knights then found themselves defending on the try line. A slip in discipline at the rolling maul gifted seven points to Sale Sharks in the form of a penalty try, with just two minutes left of the game.

After a scrappy play, Sharks secure their win with one final try as Jos Gilmore slides over. Curtis added the extras leaving the full time score 37-43.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“As a rugby player, if you can’t get excited about Sale Sharks at home, then you shouldn’t really be playing”: Joe Ford on Sharks coming to Castle Park. 

Doncaster Knights face Premiership team, Sale Sharks on Friday night in the first round of the Premiership Rugby Cup. Head Coach, Joe Ford, explained how a week off has helped the team prepare. 

“Yeah look it was a five week block of games, back to back, so it was important to get away from the club and refresh. I think it’s been good for everyone, players and staff.” 

We are not where we want to be at the moment, but we are working so hard to get this right. And with a new team, it just takes time, the consistency of things.” 

You know, I”m confident, I know we will come good. We are training really well so I’m looking forward to this week.” 

In the week, the Knights announced the addition of two young Edinburgh rugby loan players who will be joining the club for the cup. Ford said: “I hope they will bring physicality, they’re obviously two forwards who are highly rated up in Scotland.”

“We messaged Edinburgh, just for a little bit of reinforcement in that area and they had Tom and Euan who are both needing game time in the next month, so it works perfectly for us. I’m excited to see what they can bring.” 

Ford looked ahead to Friday nights fixture: 

“As a rugby player, if you can’t get excited about Sale Sharks at home, then you shouldn’t really be playing. There’s been a great buzz this week.

“The crowds looking decent as well which gives the lads a lift. I think it’s really important that we use that, you know, and start the game well to get the crowd behind us and then, hopefully it’ll be a good game.”  

“I know Sale are going to send a pretty decent team so I’m looking forward to it.” 

The Head Coach explained how the Prem Cup competition is a really important learning opportunity for the club, “It’s brilliant experience, with everything the Prem Cup brings.” 

“They’re obviously full time outfits like us, it attracts bigger crowds, etcetera. It’s where, obviously, this club want’s to be at some point in the future.”

“It’s great to test ourselves, and the northern side of it is good too. Newcastle, Sale, Caldy, will be really good. I’m looking forward to testing ourselves against two of the best teams in the Premiership.” 

Tickets are limited but still on Sale – secure yours now! 

Joe Ford and Sir Ian McGeechan have named their squad to take on Premiership Club, Sale Sharks on Friday Night. 

With Ben Murphy missing out due to being cited for a high tackle during the Bedford game, Morgan Strong is given the captaincy for Friday’s fixture. 

Strong is accompanied on the back row by Archie Smeaton and our brand new short term loan player, Tom Currie. Josh Williams and Thom Smith make up the second row, with Andrew Turner, George Roberts and Joe Jones in the front row. 

Our half back pairing remains the same as the last game, with Ollie Fox at 9 and Russell Bennett at 10. In the centres, George Wacokecoke returns from injury to join Connor Edwards. This means that Zach Kerr will be rested. 

Our back three also stays the same as Bedford, with Jordan Olowofela and Harry Davey on the wings, and Telusa Veainu at full back. 

Fred Davies, Jasper McGuire and Lewis Thiede are the replacement front row. Euan McVie, the second of the temporary loan pairings, will come on in the second row. 

Ben Chapman, who can play back row as well as hooker, is acting as back row replacement this week. 

Alex Dolly and Morgan Bunting make up the half back replacements, with Maliq Holden as the spare back on the bench. 

Starting XV | 15, Telusa Veainu. 14, Harry Davey. 13, George Wacokecoke. 12, Connor Edwards. 11, Jordan Olowofela. 10, Russell Bennett. 9, Ollie Fox. 1, Andrew Turner. 2, George Roberts. 3, Joe Jones. 4, Josh Williams. 5, Thom Smith. 6, Tom Currie. 7, Archie Smeaton. 8, Morgan Strong (C). 

Replacements | 16, Fred Davies. 17, Jasper McGuire. 18, Lewis Thiede. 19, Euan McVie. 20, Ben Chapman. 21, Alex Dolly. 22, Morgan Bunting 23, Maliq Holden.

Unavailable for selection due to injury: Semesa Rokoduguni, Cory Teague, Logovi’i Mulipola, Adam Hopkinson, Conor Davidson, Taniela Ramasibana. 

Tickets for this fixture are still available for purchase! With seated tickets mainly sold out, it is guaranteed to be a fantastic atmosphere at Castle Park. 

Friday 1st Nov – 7:30 PM Kick off! 

Secure your ticket here! 

 

Doncaster Knights first away game of the cup is against Newcastle Falcons on SUNDAY, November 10th with a 3pm kickoff. 

The cost of the coach is £870 so it is important that we have as full a coach as possible to keep the maximum amount we charge at £30 per supporter. 30+ on the coach would be great! 

TO BOOK A PLACE: Message John Lowe on 079 7711 2706 !

The booking needs to be completed by noon on Monday, November 4th – You must text John Lowe before 9am on that day!

The coach will leave Buckley’s garage in Blaxton at 10.00am and, after our usual pickups in Auckley, Branton, Cantley and Armthorpe should arrive at Castle Park at around 10.30pm. From there it will proceed along Balby Road for a pick-up opposite the Winning Post before heading north. If you are leaving your car at the club please leave it on the limestone car park.

The coach will leave Newcastle for the return journey at 5.30pm

All the important information for Friday nights game!

• Doncaster Knights v Sale Sharks
• 7:30 PM Kick-Off
• Friday 1st November
• Castle Park

PLEASE NOTE: This fixture is expected to be much busier than usual, so we recommend arriving in good time to secure parking and enjoy food/drink before kick off. 

Turnstiles open from 5pm!

Tickets: 

Tickets for the fixture are cheaper when purchased online, however can be bought from the ticket window on the day. Season Tickets are eligible for all Premiership Cup games. 

The ticket window is located around the back of the Lloyd De Mulder stand. 

Turnstiles: 

We have now added turnstiles to the ground allowing easier and quicker match day access! It is as simple as scanning your ticket at the gate to trigger entry through the turnstile! 

Parking:

Parking is available on site, it costs £5 and operates on a first come, first serve basis. 

Parking is also available for £3 at Outwood Academy Danum and The Sportsman pub, both are a just a short walk away. 

Food and Drink: 

We will have a variety of Food and Drink options available on match day. All bars will be open! 

Our famous Cow Pie will be available at the Knights Fayre, along with a selection of other hot food. You can also purchase pasties and hot drinks at the end of the concourse bar.

CAM Coffee will be on site for hot drinks and you can purchase your sweet treats from the sweet van! 

Live Sport: 

We will be showing Northampton v Leicester on the concourse projector screen.

Club Shop:

Our club shop will be open before the game for you to purchase your Doncaster Knights shirts and merchandise. 

PHOENIX AND DEMONS FUNDRAISING 

The Doncaster Phoenix and Doncaster Demons team will be collecting for Doncaster Mind to raise money for the charity. Remember to bring some spare change to contribute to the local cause!

Tickets still on sale here!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ewan Mcvie, 19, and Tom Currie, 20, will be temporarily joining the Knights from Edinburgh Rugby ahead of the Premiership Cup campaign.

McVie, joined the Edinburgh Rugby pro-academy ahead of the 2023/24 season. The second row has featured for Scotland U20s and Heriot’s Rugby in the FOSROC super Series Sprint after playing the majority of his rugby with Edinburgh Accies.

Currie is a back row, who has also competed for Scotland u20’s and joined Edinburgh’s pro academy for the 2023/24 season. Following in brother Matt’s footsteps, Currie impressed while playing school rugby at the city’s Merchiston Castle School.

Both have recently featured in Edinburgh’s A team, including a game against Bath United. And just last weekend, had their first taste of Championship Rugby when Edinburgh A faced Ealing Trailfinders.

Doncaster Knights are very excited about the addition of two exciting young forwards as we turn our attention to the Premiership Cup.

The Premiership cup begins this Friday as we host Sale Sharks on Friday Night! Click here for tickets!

Knights Captain, Ben Murphy will miss at least 2 of the next 3 games as we begin our Premiership Cup campaign.

Murphy was cited for dangerous tackling, contrary to World Rugby Law 9.13, during a game against Bedford Blues on Saturday 19th October.  

Ben has admitted the charge and received a three-match ban which will be reduced to two if he successfully completes the World Rugby Coaching Intervention Programme (CIP).

Matches Ben will miss:
01/11/2024 v Sale Sharks (Premiership Rugby Cup)
10/11/2024 v Newcastle Falcons (Premiership Rugby Cup)
23/11/2024 v Caldy (subject to completion of CIP)

In responding to the charge, Ben accepted the charge and said,

“I was unaware of any head contact at the time, I felt I had made contact with Bedford 6’s shoulder and the fact he played on led me to believe he was physically fine. Upon viewing the video clip I can see there is head contact which has upset me as I pride myself on being a clean and fair player. This is simply down to poor technique which I will now work on in training. Having been made aware of the incident and viewing the clip I have made contact with Bedford to apologise and check on their player’s wellbeing.”

 

 

Ben could be available for selection for our cup fixture away to Caldy on Saturday 23rd November, subject to completion of the coaching intervention programme.

Bury St Edmunds make it three wins on the bounce after they defeated Worthing Raiders 32-29 on Saturday.

The team consisted of three Doncaster Knights loanees, Will Metcalfe, who started on the wing and moved to scrum half during the second half. Second row, James Harrison and prop, Calvin Mitchell.

Metcalfe who has now scored 6 tries in 7 games, claimed another for Bury. Metcalfe’s try followed a series of back and forth kicks before he scored off a counter attack. 

Head Coach, Jacob Ford, spoke about the relationship between Bury St Edmunds and Doncaster Knights in a recent episode of ‘The National League Rugby Show’. 

Ford said: “The Donny lads have been brilliant, they’re very humble they are keen to get better. They fit into the group massively in terms of the cultural side of it and the off field stuff too. The travel just shows their commitment to it, and that they want to see Bury succeed and do the best for the club.” 

“But also, on the field they are 100% committed, when you get a 100% committed player they’re the ones you want to work with.”

“They’ve added a different dynamic to the group that we have probably not had before which is great because we can start to develop our game and do things a little bit differently. But ultimately, they’re a high standard of player, they’re hungry and they want to get better.”

Bury St Edmunds have shot up to 6th in the National League Two East table and face second in the league, Guernsey on Saturday 26th Oct.