Knights claim dramatic 35-36 away win to reigning champions, Ealing Trailfinders
5th October 2024
Doncaster Knights fought hard against reigning champions Ealing Trailfinders to claim the full five points on the road in 35-36 victory.
The Knights opened the scores almost instantly as Rhys Tait showed brilliant strength to carry through Ealing defence and find his way under the posts. Alex Dolly added the extras to give Doncaster the head start.
The even match in ability between the two squads was reflected in how quickly the hosts answered back. Ealing stretched the ball out to the wing and found the space out wide to score. Their fly half, Jones added the extras to level the scores early on.
Doncaster initially had dominance at scrum time and a scrum penalty allowed Alex Dolly to claim three points. Shortly after, Dolly added another three thanks to a turnover at the breakdown by Tait.
Ealing then spent a while within the 22, they struggled to get the ball over the line from the rolling maul so opted to ship to the backline. Centre, Colgate managed to dart through and score. Jones added the extras.
Jordan Olowofela didn’t allow Ealing to keep the lead for too long as he received a well delayed pass from Morgan Bunting, which opened the gap for Olowofela to work his magic. Dolly secured another conversion.
Ealing clawed back another try as they appeared to set up for a kick into touch following a penalty. However, they opted to quick tap and attack a gap on the wing. Jones converted to put them in front again.
Doncaster’s scrum continued to dominate as another scrum penalty meant Dolly could secure another three points.
Ealing’s rolling maul proved to be more successful on this occasion as their hooker broke over the line. However a missed conversion meant the scores remianed within three (26-23).
Olowofela gave Doncaster the edge heading into half time. The Knights were playing a penalty advantage so Connor Edwards risked a grubber kick through Ealing’s defence, Olowofela outpaced Ealing and collected the ball over the line.
Half time score 26-28.
It was the men in green who claimed the first points of the second half as they gained three from a penalty. They continue to push at Doncaster’s defence but the Knights showed fantastic work rate to turn over the ball at a driving maul.
Bunting read Ealing’s defence well and chose to carry up the pitch as he spotted a gap. This put Doncaster in a good position for Dolly to kick for another three.
As tensions rose, Doncaster’s discipline slipped and they conceded two penalties in quick succession meaning Ealing regained the lead again.
However, the Knights recomposed themselves and Olowofela claimed his second hat-trick of the season to snatch the final score of the game. Connor Edwards popped the ball to Semesa Rokoduguni out on the wing. Roko then sent it to Wacokecoke. Wacokecoke offloaded back inside to Olowofela, who jumped out of a tackle to carry the ball over the line.
It was a nail-biting final few moments as Doncaster were defending on their try line. But they applied great pressure and a knock on at the breakdown meant they regained possession to secure the win.
Final score Ealing 35, Doncaster 36.
The Knights are back at Castle Park next week to face London Scottish. You can secure your tickets here!
