Knights hit six after Holden’s fast start

DONCASTER produced their best performance of the season by far to beat Richmond by six tries to one for their fourth win in six league games.

Coach Steve Boden made seven changes and his decision paid dividends, particularly in the displays of wing Maliq Holden and centre Joe Margetts who marked their promising Championship debuts for Doncaster by scoring tries.

Holden, formerly at Cornish Pirates, didn’t have to wait long to make his impact. Showing outstanding pace, the Liverpudlian shot over after only two minutes following creative play from flanker Sam Hudson.

“I’m made up because it’s been tough not getting in the squad, but I got my chance after working and training hard,” said 25year-old Holden. “I was told to get my hands on the ball and get as many touches as you can. It’s always good to score a try and I probably should have got another towards the end.

“I’m really liking it here and coming from Liverpool it’s a lot closer to home than Pirates and it was special to play in front of my dad, uncles and girlfriend at Castle Park.”

Centre Margetts,who joined from Hartpury, also impressed throughout and again Hudson was responsible for setting up his try in the 24th minute. In a move starting 50 metres from Richmond’s line, Margetts completed a brilliant counter-attack, and with fly-half Sam Olver converting, Doncaster’s thrilling start put them ahead by 20-5.

In between Holden’s and Margett’s scores, winger Jack Spittle shot across in the corner as Richmond struggled to compete.

It got worse for them when centre Cameron Mitchell was sin-binned for a deliberate knock-on after 15 minutes; the yellow card cost ten points with Olver adding a penalty and Margett’s converted try.

Richmond, who wasted numerous opportunities, did take advantage of the chance created by their pack on 19 minutes as No.8 Mark Bright,43, crashed over for his seventh try of the season.

Doncaster’s second half effort was also strong with tries by centre Mark Best, scrum-half Alex Dolly and replacement winger Kyle Evans and they survived a yellow card against replacement Guido Volpi (foul play) in the 76th.

Richmond DoR Steve Hill said: “Doncaster took advantage of our slow start but we were much improved in the second half. Some of the boys who came off the bench put their hands up and Doncaster’s strong defence made it difficult.”