Match Guide: Doncaster Knights (A)

As we reach the final round of this year’s Championship season, we’ll be ending it in the same way we started it, against Doncaster Knights.

RFU CHAMPIONSHIP – ROUND 22

Date: Saturday 29th April

Kick-Off: 2.30pm

Location: Castle Park, Doncaster

Tickets: Available from £15 – click here to purchase

Coverage: Live coverage of the game will be available via our Twitter feed or you can watch the free live stream via the Championship Rugby Website.

ABOUT THE OPPOSITION:

After pushing us all the way in the title race last year, although Doncaster haven’t seen as many results go their way this season, they are still a force to be reckoned with.

After mixed results around Christmas and the new year, the Knights refound their form in January with important wins over Richmond and Nottingham.

They then almost became the first side to end Bedford Blues’ unbeaten home run this season, when they drew 42-42 in the Championship Cup at the end of February.

On the return to league action, tight losses against Coventry, Jersey Reds and Cornish Pirates could have dampened their spirits, but they regularly hit back with good results against London Scottish and then against Caldy last weekend.

This weekend’s trip to Castle Park will be our first of two encounters against the Knights in a fortnight, as in a week’s time Doncaster will travel down to TFSC for the Championship Cup semi-final.

LAST TIME WE MET:

Last time we faced Doncaster was on the opening day of the season at TFSC. In the aftermath of Her Majesty the Queen’s sad passing, there was a minute silence before kick off before the match got underway.

After a cagey opening, Craig Willis managed to muscle over in the corner after 20 minutes, but this was quickly cancelled out by George Simpson scoring an impressive solo try as the visitors edged into the lead.

On the stroke half-time, a cynical penalty from Simpson saw him yellow carded and Willis slotted the penalty to make the score at the break: Ealing Trailfinders 8-7 Doncaster Knights.

In the second 40, the Trailfinders flew out of the blocks and inside the first ten minutes Rayn Smid crossed after getting on the end of a beautiful Willis cross field kick.

Ten minutes later we were in again as a powerful rolling maul gained field position before a beautifully delayed pass saw Jack Metcalf go in under the posts.

With 20 minutes to go Doncaster looked to have the momentum, but we did well to restrict them to only one penalty.

With the clock in the red, we were in desperate search of a fourth score and the try bonus point. After failing to score initially, the team recycled and Carlo Tizzano popped up on his debut to dot down and complete the victory.

FORM GUIDE:

Doncaster Knights

W: Caldy 7-38 Doncaster Knights (Saturday 22nd April)

L: Doncaster Knights 13-14 Cornish Pirates (Saturday 15th April)

L: Doncaster Knights 24-52 Jersey Reds (Saturday 8th April)

Ealing Trailfinders:

L: Jersey Reds 19-13 Ealing Trailfinders (Saturday 22nd April)

Click here to watch match highlights.

W: Ealing Trailfinders 73-14 Caldy (Saturday 15th April)

Click here to watch match highlights.

W: Bedford Blues 31-40 Ealing Trailfinders (Saturday 1st April)

Click here to watch match highlights.