Despite the result, the Knights didn’t make it easy for the reigning champions. The hosts were straight out the blocks looking to attack, but Doncaster held them out well for the first 5 minutes. Eventually, Ealing managed to open the scores as a well held scrum opened the space for them to whip it out to Tom Collins. 5-0. 

Donny worked hard to create chances to score, with big turnover at the breakdown from East Timor Viliamu putting the Knights on the front foot. 

The backline moved the ball out of the scrum quickly to Connor Edwards. Edwards made a superb carry up the field, bringing Donny from their own half to the 22. He shrugged off multiple defenders before offloading to a supporting Ollie Fox. Fox sped off to finish under the posts. Bunting added the extras. 5-7. 

Ealing made their way back into their attacking 22 but the Knights displayed another impressive defensive set, Rhys Tait managed to snatch the ball from the hosts during their attempt to drive the maul over. 

On Ealing’s next entry to the 22, they settled for the three points as their scrum gifted them a penalty. 8-7. 

They then had a more successful attempt at a driving maul when their hooker, Cornish, peeled away from the back to go over in the corner. They added the extras with the conversion. 15-7. 

Donny began to look bright in attack but a loose ball allowed Ealing a way back in. They snatched possession and carried up the wing before their forwards began to drive at the line. Donny held the forwards out but a long ball to the wing allowed them a way over the line. 20-7. 

With a few minutes left of the first 40, the Knights worked hard to stay in the game before half time. Joe Margetts is caught in traffic so opts for a little chip through, which he gathers brilliantly and goes the way. Bunting adds the conversion again. Half time score 20-14. 

Just 5 minutes into the second half, Doncaster are shown a yellow and Ealing carry the momentum into another try. Their forwards manage to drive another maul over to go 25-14 up. 

Ealing’s next score was an impressive solo effort from centre, Francis Moore, who weaved his way in and out of Doncaster to score. They added the extras. 32-14. Another scrum penalty goes their way and they snatch a final three points, 35-14. 

The Knights did not give up without a fight, and one final Donny try reflected their determination. Bennett plays a long ball out to Jordan Olowofela, who puts his footwork to use and skates over. Bennett also added the extras, leaving the full time score, 35-21.