Doncaster take tough defeat in Nottingham
25th January 2025
The first half of the Knights Friday night clash in Nottingham was a close affair, with the score line 19-15 at the break. However, Nottingham proved to be the stronger side on the day, as they excelled in the final 20 minutes.
Doncaster spent the first five minutes of the game attacking in Nottingham’s half, moving the ball well and gaining ground. However, it was Nottingham who took the lead after Ryan Olowofela snatched a loose ball made a break up the wing to bring the hosts within 5m. They then shipped the ball out across to the other wing to go over in the corner. The conversion was successful, 7-0.
From the restart The Knights were back on the front foot and immediately answered back with a try. A Fred Davies jackal penalty gave Russell Bennett the chance to kick for the corner. Following the line out, the backs moved the ball wide to Veainu, who put in a perfectly weighted grubber for Jordan Olowofela to chase and score in the corner, 7-5.
In the next play, Bennett picked up an injury resulting in an early change to the backline, Harry Davey came on in the centres.
Nottingham then worked their way up to the try line and struggled to score from their driving maul as the Knight’s pack defended it well. However, they then opted to cross field kick, which opened up the gap for them to score in the corner. Conversion successful, 14-5.
Veainu displayed his skills again as he dodged countless Nottingham defenders to swerve his way up to the line. He was tackled just short, however, Ben Murphy finished the job by squeezing the ball over the line. Morgan Bunting added the extras, 14-12.
Fred Davies kept the energy alive for the Knights as he turned the ball over again. Unfortunately, a knock on after a few phases meant Nottingham regained possession. They then used their cross field kick again to open the gap that allowed Ryan Olowofela to score, 19-12.
The Knights then closed the gap just before half time as Bunting slotted three points, half time score 19-15.
Doncaster took the first points of the second half as Bunting kicked another three, putting us within one point, 19-18. But, shortly after, Nottingham’s back line exploit an overlap and distribute the ball out to the wing for another try, 24 – 18.
Nottingham then seemed to ignite and allowed Doncaster minimal chances to get hands on the ball. With 20 minutes left, they scored three more tries, two from moving the ball at speed and one from another cross field kick. With two of the three conversions successful the full time score was 43-18.
The Knights now turn their attention to the Premiership Cup as we host Newcastle Falcons on Saturday. Tickets for this fixture are selling fast so be sure to secure yours now! TICKETS.
