Doncaster Knights: Rugby blog

Sunday (8th March) dawned with a bit of sunshine, a gentle breeze and huge expectation following the Doncaster Knights' first team's win over previously undefeated neighbours, Leeds, the day before. The Miracle Drywash and Autoglass®-sponsored under 8’s were to host the ‘giants’ from Hull Ionians who have always provided a tough test.

Again there were enough players for 2 teams, and despite the weather already starting to turn, there was a steely determination amongst the team, which saw them keen to get started.

Immediately, Hull came at the Doncaster Knights, and took an early lead, and what looked like control, of the game. They were running hard, if sideways, and supporting each other in a way that we usually see from the home team. Slowly but surely though, the mistakes started to creep in, and with one or two refereeing decisions going against them, Hull started to back off, and Doncaster grew in confidence.

Half time arrived at 2 tries a piece, which shows how tight the game was, and after some words from the coaches and the captain, the boys couldn’t wait to get started. The knights made a couple of changes, and suddenly they were the side supporting well, running hard and starting to score points. The curtain fell on game one with the Doncaster boys one try ahead.

For Game 2, a whole new team was introduced, led by Ben Rivers, and 10 seconds in, Hull looked to be up to old tricks as they cut through the home team to take and early lead.

The pattern was the same as the first game, with Hull controlling the game and running with determination, but as half time approached, Doncaster started to settle and put some of their own pressure on, and as in the first game, the mistakes started to come from Hull allowing the Knights to still be in the game at half time. The weather was now starting to play its part, and with several players now shivering, and everyone getting wet, the coaches made a couple of necessary changes and the game restarted. In almost a mirror of the first game, it was the Knights' turn to play the rugby, and some real determination from Thomas Colcombe and some fantastic support from Owain, Harry and Lewi eventually saw the gap created for BJ to score the winning try. The final whistle went on another epic, low-scoring encounter which saw The Knights under 8’s once again come out on top by one try.

A tough day in tough conditions which saw the Knights victorious – Well done everyone !!

Keeping the ball hidden !!

So many choices - so little time !

Sneaking past!

Ooh ooh ooh - staying alive !

Come here !!