The Knights suffered a narrow defeat in Round 3 of the Premiership cup campaign at Vallis way, 34-32 to Ealing Trailfinders.
The opening trades saw the knights displaying staunch defence and Ealing displaying their heavy carrying, momentum-gaining attack.
First blood to the Knights as Billy Mcbryde ticks the scoreboard over from a penalty on 3mins and the Knights took the lead 0-3.
On the stroke of 15min the first try of the game came for Ealing in the form of several bulldozing carries which eventually saw Ealing !4, Jonah Holmes squeeze into the corner. Conversion followed 7-3
The Knights fans didnโt have long to wait for a reply however as in the 21st min, our Number 8 Seb Nagle Taylor dots down in the corner after some fantastic interplay. Conversion missed 7-8
The attacking prowess of both teams continued to be on display, first on the 25th min as Ealings Reuben Bird-Tullouch produced some individual brilliance to eventually cross the knightโs line. Conversion missed 12-8
Shortly after the Knights had their retort on minute 30, which saw Archie Smeaton Cross the whitewash after a wonderful display of running and offload rugby. Conversion added and the Knights take the lead again 12-15
Ealingโs response was quick and came in the form of Dan OโBrien on minute 32, Conversion followed 19-15. Billy Mcbryde nudged a penalty to close the half 19-18
The second half started very much like the first half, with both sides exchanging some seismic collisions.
Ealingโs Matt Cornish took the first blood of the second half on minute 50, with the conversion being added 26-18
Nine minutes later Harry Davey decided it was time to join the try scorers and crossed Ealingโs try line. Conversion added 26-25 and the Knights are on the Hunt again.
Jack Metcalf put the Knights ahead on minute 65, conversion was added 26-32. However, 2 minutes later Ealing was back within a point thanks to Rayn Smid barging his was over. Conversion missed. 31-32
The Final 10 minutes had everyone on the edge of their seats and biting their nails as the rollercoaster of emotions washed over Vallis way.
Ealing huffing and puffing at the door and the Knights screaming you shall not pass!!!
Trying saving tackles and missed penalties was all on show. As the sands of time trickled to minute 79, Ealing penalty and the ball sailed between the uprights 34-32. This set up and dramatic 30 seconds with Ealing trying to see the game out in attack and the Knights hell-bent on getting the ball back and forcing Ealing into a mistake.
As the whistle touched the referee’s lips it was not to signal full time but to signal a penalty to the Knights and an opportunity to take a very rare win at Vallis way. Unfortunately, the kick came up just shy and signalled full-time.
Final score 34-32
Next up, the Knights face Bristol Bears in Round 4 of the Premiership Cup at Castle Park, Friday 29th September, 7:30 KO.
