Doncaster continued their struggling away form this year as Bedford Blues earned a 29-5 home win this afternoon.

Two first half tries in a game fairly even in terms on territory saw the Blues take a deserved lead in the first half. After the interval, the Knights showed their spirit, but couldn’t create enough to take any points back north with them.

The first points on the board came from a Sam Leeming penalty after the visitors had the better going in the first five minutes. However that early lead swayed the balance in favour of Bedford and they dotted down the opening try on the 13 minute mark. Despite a superb tackle from Tyson Lewis two metres from his own try line to halt Oskar Hirskyj-Douglas, the centre offloaded to Joe Atkinson, who barged over. Leeming added the extras with ease.

Doncaster rallied back and enjoyed plenty of possession, but could not create a clear cut chance in the Bedford 22, with their attacks either breaking down or handing the Blues penalties to clear the danger.

The home side doubled their try count for the afternoon from an impressive driving maul that started just inside the Doncaster 22. Robbie Smith the scorer, with Leeming scoring the conversion.

Clive Griffiths’ outfit fought back and spent plenty of time in the Bedford half as they played down the slope, but could not drive over with the first half ending 17-0 to Bedford.

The second half got off to the worst possible start with another try for the home side within the opening three minutes. After a good passing move, Ryan Hutler dotted down in the corner to extend their lead to 22-0.

Doncaster’s misery was compounded with Grayson Hart tapping a penalty and bursting over. Leeming adding the extras to give the home crowd a 29-0 scoreline to cheer about.

The Knights began to increase the tempo to their play after the 55th minute. Good breaks from Guido Volpi, Tom James and Tyson Lewis drove the side into the Bedford half, but failed to capitalise on it.

Although, the visiting supporters did have something to shout about when Charlie Foley barged over in the 57th minute, after Hunter made a strong carry inside the 22. Sam Olver missed the conversion in strong winds and from a tight angle.

The away side then sparked into life, James made another good break into the Blues half, but lacked support and the danger was soon squashed.

The last 10 minutes saw both sides battling on with the Knights unable to add to their single try with Bedford deservedly earning the 29-5 victory.

Match Statistics

Bedford Blues XV: 15. Rich Lane 14. Ryan Hutler 13. Oskar Hirskyj-Douglas 12. Lewis Robling 11. Matt Worley 10. Sam Leeming 9. Grayson Hart 1. Sean McCarthy (C) 2. Robbie Smith 3. Alex Penny 4. Jordan Onojaife 5. Oli Curry 6. Dan Temm 7. Joe Atkinson 8. Alafoti Fa’osiliva

Replacements: 16. Jacob Fields 17. Joe Wrafter 18. Henry Paul 19. Will Carrick Smith 20. Devante Onojaife 21. Huw Worthington 22. Fraser Strachan 23. Ed Coulson

Tries: Atkinson, Smith, Hutler, Hart

Conversions: Leeming 2

Penalties: Leeming

Knights XV: 15. Cameron Cowell(66’Roberts) 14. Kyle Evans 13. Charlie Foley 12. Penikolo Latu 11. Tyson Lewis 10. Sam Olver(66’Hayes) 9.Tom James(75’Pocklington 1. Marc Thomas(72’Suter) 2. Ben Hunter(63’Hunter) 3. Colin Quigley(48’Foster) 4. Cian Romaine  5. Morgan Eames 6. Fotu Lokotui(60’Hills) 7. Wian Conradie(75’Calladine) 8. Guido Volpi

Replacements: 16. Will Holling 17. Andrew Foster 18. Dan Suter 19. Tom Calladine 20. Michael Hills 21. Sam Pocklington 22. Lloyd Hayes 23. Jack Roberts

Tries: Foley