Doncaster Knights fall to 14-30 defeat against Nottingham
28th September 2024
Doncaster Knights fall short to a determined Nottingham side at Castle Park.
Nottingham Rugby opened the scores early on as a Doncaster penalty allowed them to kick for the line out. They executed the line out well, with their hooker going over the line from the rolling maul.
Despite missing the conversion for the first try, the visitors extended their lead shortly after by kicking three points off the tee, the penalty was given because Doncaster were offside.
After Nottingham’s first score, Doncaster manage to keep the majority of the possession for the remainder of the first half, but errors mean they came away with very few points.
There were a handful of positive moments, including a turnover in the line out. This then led to the ball being fed down the line to Zach Kerr who put in a brilliant grubber kick to keep Doncaster in the attacking 22. They spent a while close to the try line but handling errors meant they came away without a score.
Morgan Bunting placed a good cross field kick which was dropped into touch by Nottingham’s 15, Ryan Olowofela. Allowing them another chance to attack from the line out. The line out was unsuccessful but the visitors knock the ball on meaning Doncaster were back in possession.
The Knights continue to push in attack and Morgan Strong finally cracks the defence. The Number eight picked the ball from the back of the scrum and showed brilliant strength to carry the ball over the line. Alex Dolly comfortably slotted the conversion.
Doncaster come close to scoring a second try just before the half time whistle as the ball was shipped to Jordan Olowofela who gained a lot of ground. However, another handling error meant it was lost forward at the line.
Half time score 7-8.
It was a more positive start to the second half from the home team as the half backs linked up nicely to set Olowofela up for a try under the posts. The forwards made a series of carries which drew the defence in and opened up the space for the backs, Dolly then shipped the ball to Bunting who perfectly timed his pass to Olowofela. Dolly added the extras again.
Doncaster continued to dominate the next few phases, until Nottingham’s winger Harry Graham intercepted the ball and ran the whole length of the pitch. Maliq Holden softened the blow with a brilliant chase down on the conversion, keeping Doncaster in front at the time.
However, following the intercept, Doncaster Knights struggled to get their momentum back and Nottingham scored two more tries and a penalty.
The first of the tries was scored by their second row, Tom Manz, who found a gap in the Doncaster defence after Nottingham spent a while making carries. The second was scored out on the wing when Nottingham moved the ball quickly to create the overlap. Both the tries were converted meaning the final score was 14 – 30 to Nottingham.
Maliq Holden was awarded our man of the match, showing dedication and fight in defence, as well as making some great carries.
Doncaster Knights now focus on their first away game of the season next week, against Ealing Trailfinders.
