Revitalised Knights on charge for cup glory

A DETERMINED Doncaster display allowed Clive Griffiths to declare that his squad and himself were “on the way back” after a third win on the bounce.

Griffiths, who has returned to full-time work after recent heart problems, was on the touchline for a second match to see Doncaster edge a decent contest.

A much-changed team delivered by two tries to one, hooker James Malcolm collecting a first-half score followed by one from scrumhalf Tom James 10 minutes after the break.

The win continues Doncaster’s encouraging form following a win over Coventry in this competition last weekend, 20-19, and a win in the Championship itself against London Scottish.

Griffiths said: “No one gave us much hope because of all the changes from last week, but we stuck at it and played some good rugby.

“We have now won two from two in this competition and another win against Yorkshire Carnegie will put us right up there,” Griffiths said.

Doncaster’s director of rugby said he felt well himself, but joked his heart rate shot up towards the end when Nottingham looked set for a late try.

“We could have done without that,” he said about a move which ended in Nottingham centre Will Millett dropping a potential try-scoring pass.

Overall, Doncaster had too much firepower up front to outweigh the possession frittered away by Nottingham. By half-time, Nottingham had dropped six passes on the attack to leave fans exasperated having watched some skilful plays this autumn.

Nottingham certainly missed Canada international Shane O’Leary, away on World Cup duty, and could point to the drizzle making conditions tricky.

Neil Fowkes, Nottingham’s head coach, thought his team should have won but paid credit to Doncaster. “We just did not take our chances but fair play to them they are always difficult opponents.”

Doncaster led 10-3 at the break thanks to Malcolm finishing off a driving maul and the goal kicks of Doug Flockhart.

Nottingham, who had only a penalty from Gearoid Lyons amid those dropped passes, stormed back after the break working an excellent try for Penman after good work by Millett.

However, Doncaster’s bigger forwards generally bossed the remainder and a try from No.9 Tom James proved crucial. Flockhart converted for a 17-10 lead.

Lyons added a second penalty to keep Nottingham in touch, despite a yellow card to wing Jack Spittle for a high tackle, but hopes of completing a comeback were dashed when Millett blundered.