Doncaster Knights Academy will face Loughborough University in round two of the BUCS Premier North 2 on Wednesday 16th of October.
The game is taking place at Castle Park on pitch three and kicking off at 6:30pm.
The young Knights will be looking to bounce back from an away defeat at Manchester Met last week.
A strong London Scottish team, fed by eight Harlequin’s academy and three Harlequin’s loanees, secure a win over the Knights at Castle Park.
The visitors looked dangerous from the start as they made their way down to the 5m line almost immediately and carried with intent. Jordan Olowofela was quick off the line to intercept a Scottish pass, which gave Doncaster some go-forward.
The Knights continued to work as they won a penalty at the first scrum; Morgan Bunting then placed a nice kick to touch allowing the Knights to attack within 5m. But, Scottish defended well and turned the ball over at the breakdown.
This then gave the visitors momentum to work their way down to the other end of the pitch. They spent many phases fighting to get over the line and eventually Sam Riley found a gap to dive over. The conversion was missed.
The Knights showed some fight to keep the visitors out as Scottish dominated possession for the remainder of the first half but took no more points. A brilliant jackal from Rhys Tait contributed to holding Scottish out. However, errors in attack meant Doncaster were unable to create any home points.
Half time score 0-5.
London Scottish came out firing during the second half as they scored in the 41st minute. They moved the ball quickly down the line to exploit a gap out on the wing as their outside centre, Sean Kerr received the ball back inside to carry it over.
Ex-Doncaster Knights player Alec Lloyd-Seed scored the conversion to add the extra two points.
For the remainder of the second half, Doncaster defended well to restrict Scottish from gaining any more points. However, handling errors and discipline prevented them from utilising any attack they managed to build.
Ollie Fox moved to scrum half at the start of the second half. Fox was awarded Doncaster Knight’s player of the match because he provided quick ball and energy to the Knights.
There were a handful of other notable individual performances, Thom Smith made a great turnover and carried hard. Connor Edwards gained a lot of ground with dominant carries and George Wacokecoke made countless impressive tackles when defending.
The Knights spent the majority of the second half in attack and had roughly eight chances where they came close to the line, but errors meant they weren’t converted into points.
London Scottish defended brilliantly, turning the ball over when defending their try line, three times.
This meant the final score was 0-12.
Doncaster’s next home game will see them face Premiership team, Sale Sharks in the Premiership Cup. You can buy tickets for this fixture here.
Here is all the important information for tomorrow’s game against London Scottish.
Doncaster Knights return to Castle Park after a successful away trip to Ealing in round three. The Yorkshire club host London Scottish with a handful of changes to the starting line up.
Conor Davidson is the only member of the front row who was in the starting XV against Ealing. His tight head partner will be Joe Jones, joined by Fred Davies, earning his first start at Hooker.
Josh Williams will be joining Ben Murphy in the second row, as Cory Teague picked up a shoulder injury during his start last week. The back row remains the same, Thom Smith, Rhys Tait and Morgan Strong.
The Knights stick with the same half-back pairing of Alex Dolly and Morgan Bunting. However, there are changes in the centre. Zach Kerr pushes out to the wing to make way for George Wacokecoke in the centre. Wacokecoke will join usual starter, Connor Edwards.
Maliq Holden and Jordan Olowofela make up the rest of the back three.
On the bench, Hooker, Ben Chapman is set to make his debut off the bench. Chapman has joined Doncaster Knights this season from Ampthill. Usual hooker, George Roberts, moves to back row replacement. Jasper McGuire and Lewis Thiede are the substitute props. With Taniela Ramasibana and Archie Smeaton making up the second/back row reserves.
Ollie Fox is set to replace Alex Dolly at scrum half, and Harry Davey is the remaining back on the bench.
Starting XV | 15, Jordan Olowofela. 14, Zach Kerr. 13, George Wacokecoke. 12, Connor Edwards. 11, Maliq Holden. 10, Morgan Bunting. 9, Alex Dolly. 1, Conor Davidson. 2, Fred Davies. 3, Joe Jones. 4, Ben Murphy (C). 5, Josh Williams. 6, Thom Smith. 7, Rhys Tait. 8, Morgan Strong.
Replacements | 16, Ben Chapman. 17, Jasper McGuire. 18, Lewis Thiede. 19, Taniela Ramasibana 20, George Roberts. 21, Archie Smeaton. 22, Ollie Fox. 23, Harry Davey.
Injury news:
Tickets for this fixture are still available here.
Doncaster Knights defeated reigning champions Ealing Trailfinders last weekend, in an exciting away fixture down in West London.
Holden explained how this has given the Knights a boost after a disappointing game the week before: “It was really good for us to respond after a disappointing loss against Nottingham.”
“I think, in many ways, it was the perfect game to play after. It was backs against the wall, and with them being Champions of last year.”
“I think we went out there and we probably weren’t where we wanted to be rugby wise, with the ceiling that we’ve got, but I just thought we fronted up and the no talent stuff we were absolutely brilliant at.”
“During pre-season, we’ d always came on the positive side and won. We’d had like a real nice pre-season if that makes sense. We hadn’t been in those moments like we were against Nottingham. So it was good for us to reset to, to properly show where we were as a team. We probably thought we were a bit further ahead, but we weren’t, and so it was the perfect challenge and I think we did really well in it.”
Holden hopes that the team will be able to put things right at home during this weekends game.
“It’s probably a bigger challenge than Ealing, in many ways. We were the underdogs going against Ealing we’re probably favourites now. And were aware that we probably are.
“We didn’t give the best account of ourselves against, Nottingham. I don’t want to say we let the fans down because we never go out intentionally trying to lose a game, and we give everything that we can. But, I think there’s definitely a responsibility to now put out a performance, that the fans would be proud of, and that they’ll be happy and not be disappointed with.”
Holden has 69 caps for Doncaster Knights, and is one of a small group in the team that have been around for a while. He explained what it’s been like adjusting to the new group: “It’s been amazing and really seamless.”
“I think that’s why losing to Nottingham was such a good thing for us. We became so close straight away, and we really enjoyed being with each other. We got on so well and the connection was seamless. Maybe that was the reason that, when we found ourselves under a bit of pressure against Nottingham, we maybe struggled a bit more than we expected.”
“But again, part of being part of this family is that you’re going to go through tough times. It’s how you respond from it. I think we responded really well against Ealing. And now, we have the test of our environment, the test of our team and who we want to be this year. We need to back it up at home, so I’m super excited.”
London Scottish will be coming off the back of a positive result, having beaten Cornish Pirates. Holden said: “They are a good squad, like a real good side.”
“A few of us went and watched the game last Friday because we were in London. They did really well against a tough Pirates team. Pirates lost on the last play to Ealing the week before, and I think Scottish were were miles better on the day. So, we have loads of respect for them.
“They’re never an easy team to play against so, we’re excited by it. They’ve got a big Quinn’s influence as well, but we’re just excited about going and putting our game on them. So we’ll give them the respect they deserve and hopefully come away with five points.”
You can secure your ticket for the fixture here.
The TOSSERS Lunch
Knights vs Cambridge
Saturday 30th November, 2:30pm KO
The TOSSERS are hosting their 1st Lunch of the 2024-25 season – All Welcome!
What’s included?
Our delicious Cow Pie, Chips & Mushy Peas
Cheeseboard to Follow
Player Q&A
Private Lounge & Bar
Team Sheets
Access to Online Matchday Programme
Fun Quiz
In case you didn’t know the TOSSERS, stands for The Other Sides Society Enthusiastic Rugby Supporters
Price: £22.50 (Match Ticket Not Included)
DRESS CODE: Informal, Club shirts welcome
PLEASE NOTE: You must have a match ticket for access. These are sold separately.
You can book this via calling the club on 01302 831388 or you can book online. Book Here
Doncaster Knights’ loan players at Bury St Edmunds, Will Metcalfe and James Harrison contributed to Bury’s 36-22 derby win against Colchester.
Will Metcalfe earned his start at scrum half and impressed with two tries to assist the Suffolk team to victory. James Harrison, also started in the second row, and has been excelling at Bury, proving a useful asset particularly during the line outs.
The first of Metcalfe’s tries came early on in the game as he snaked through a gap to score a fine individual try. He then claimed his next score in the second half of the game. Bury were awarded a penalty and opted for the scrum, Metcalfe spotted the gap in the defence and carried the ball to the line himself.
To read their full match report, click here.
They will now face Sevenoaks away next week in National League 2 East.
CopyPrintScan is a leading printer company in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. Up and running in 1998, they have accumulated over 25 years of experience in an ever-present industry. Tailor-making bespoke packages for hundreds of companies in a range of industries such as education, health and sport, with over 1,000 active devices. This season, CPS are continuing their support with the club through their supply of printers, and also appear on the right sleeve of our 150th anniversary kit.
Andrew Thompson, Sales Director, has been at the forefront of negotiations with the club, heading the deal for his company. Andrew shared his delight in the agreement stating how “this is such an important sponsorship deal for us, as we feel the rugby industry is a unique and fairly untapped market with a brilliant community feel. Having been involved with Doncaster Knights for over 5 years, we are proud to be one of the longest standing supporters of such a brilliant and developing club.”
Tom Foy, Head of Commercial, highlighted the significance of the partnership between Doncaster Knights and CopyPrintScan in his comments about the extension of their partnership. “CopyPrintScan has been a long-term supporter of the club, and the decision to extend the sponsorship reflects the mutual trust and success both parties have enjoyed. The relationship has gone beyond just a commercial transaction—it’s become a collaboration that aligns with the club’s vision for growth and development. CopyPrintScan’s brand will continue to have prominent visibility, which is beneficial for both the company and the club, as it helps the Knights maintain a professional image while giving CopyPrintScan significant exposure to rugby fans, digital platforms and its community.”
Doncaster Knights and CopyPrintScan share in the enthusiasm of an ongoing contract and hope that the club’s 2024/25 campaign can be one of success for both parties involved. To learn more about what CopyPrintScan have to offer, you can read more on their website for all your printer needs.
To learn more about the sponsorship opportunities at Doncaster Knights, contact Tracey Owen via email: [email protected]; or via telephone 01302 831388.
Doncaster Knights hope to remain undefeated on the road as they face Bedford Blues on Saturday, October 19th. KO 3.00pm.
It is important to have as full a coach as possible to keep the maximum amount we charge at £30 per supporter!
To reserve a seat please message John Lowe on 079 7711 2706.
You must contact John by Monday, October 14th.
Coach information:
The coach will leave Buckley’s garage in Blaxton at 10.00am and, after pickups in Auckley, Branton, Cantley and Armthorpe it 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 south. If you are leaving your car at the club please leave it on the limestone car park.
The coach will leave Bedford for the return journey at 5.15pm
