Knights are defeated in Nottingham during Storm Amy

4th October 2025

Doncaster Knights travelled to Nottingham for round one of the new CHAMP league. In a gritty battle, Nottingham came out on top, defeating the Knights 26-8. 

The hosts scored their first try within the first minute as full back, Evan Mitchell ran a good support line when they broke through Knights defence. Conversion was successful 7-0.

As both teams battled not only each other, but the conditions too. There wasn’t another score until the final play of the first half. 

There were lots of positives in the Knights’ defence during the first 40, some scrum penalties won, and a great line out steal from Rhys Tait. The Knights came close many times but couldn’t manage to get over the line. 

Soon, Nottingham worked their way up to the line, and after spending nearly 5 minutes on the line, they eventually drove it over, with the clock in the red. 

Half time score 12-0. 

The weather only worsened into the second half, with 50mph winds and heavy rain causing multiple errors from both teams. 

Zach Kerr kicked a brilliant 50:2, which built some nice momentum for the Knights, and allowed them to attack in the 22. 

Donny attacked for another 5 minutes before Russell Bennett kicked an impressive penalty to get some points on the board. From between the halfway line and the 22, Bennett showed great composure to battle the conditions and claim the 3 points. 12-3. 

Nottingham fought back and grabbed another score as a penalty allowed them to kick for the corner. The Knights do well to hold out the driving maul, but as the ball is shipped out, they find the way through. Another conversion put them 19-3 ahead. 

Another Nottingham try followed in similar fashion, with Micheal Green powering over the line. And they added another conversion for their final points of the game 26-3. 

With fresh legs on the pitch, Donny start to build some good phases in attack. Ollie Fox picks from the back of the breakdown and darts into space. Will Wootton, our scrum half replacement who was playing on the wing, ran a brilliant support line and showed great pace to finish the try. 

Full time score 26-8.

Doncaster will now turn their attention to our next game, Cambridge at home. Get behind the Knights as they look to bounce back! Tickets available here.