Penalties wreak havoc as Knights sneak in

DONCASTER, out-scored by three tries to two at Castle Park, survived – just – relentless Coventry pressure late in the second half and ultimately opened their Cup campaign with the narrowest of wins.

Coventry remain without an away win this season, this despite two tries by replacement back James Stokes on 57 and 79 minutes, and a simple run-in just before halftime by ex-Doncaster winger Junior Bulumakau.

Doncaster led 13-5 at the interval, thanks to an excellent try by centre Will Owen, returning from injury after being out for ten months, and a conversion and two penalties from fly-half Charlie Foley.

Their pack was dominant and with Coventry conceding so many penalties, their lead should have been larger, but the visitors recovered strongly.

A thrilling break by Bulumakau set up Stokes’ first try, and, with fly-half Will Maisey converting, Doncaster’s lead was slashed to only 13-12.

Doncaster struggled to penetrate Doncaster’s defence, but on 66 minutes replacement No. 8 Ciaran Booth created a gap in midfield and shot over from 35 metres.

Foley’s second conversion increased the advantage to 20-12, but soon Booth was sin-binned for coming in at the side.

Coventry, too, continued to upset the referee and shortly afterwards replacement prop Phil Boulton was yellow-carded after Coventry ignored a warning for persistent offending.

So both teams were reduced to 14 men as the tie reached an exciting climax. As Coventry’s forwards raided Doncaster’s line, the Knights were penalised. Coventry’s pack won the

lineout and drove to the line, with Stokes claiming his second try in the 79th minute.

A conversion from by Maisey put Coventry only one point behind at 20-19, but Doncaster protected their slim lead by taking play into Coventry territory.

Doncaster held on by the skin of their teeth in a match littered with more than 30 penalties, but fewer than six for high tackles under the new law on trial in Cup games.

Doncaster forwards’ coach Glen Kenworthy said: “We missed some opportunities to make it more comfortable. Ben Hunter had a good game and it was positive to see Owen and Jarvis back.”

Coventry director of rugby Rowland Winter commented: “Both sides were getting away with murder, so there’s no consistency in the set piece. We shouldn’t have more than 30 penalties at this level.”