Edgson gets first hat-trick as pack dish out a mauling

DONCASTER hooker George Edgson scored the first hat-trick of his career as the Knights recovered strongly from their defeat a week ago by Cornish Pirates.

Edgson’s tries on 26, 40 and 50 minutes exemplified his team’s overpowering display by the pack whose strength resulted in five tries from mauls as Nottingham’s indiscipline was punished ruthlessly.

The Knights remain unbeaten at home in five games and their win by seven tries to two, the seventh in ten matches, illustrated the gap between a full-time professional Championship club and one that can’t afford that status.

Following the loss in Penzance, Doncaster coach Steve Boden made several changes to his team and was delighted with their response.

He said: “I’ve never questioned the character of the side and I never doubted that we’d get a response. Our pack was dominant, we played some good stuff with the ball and we were professional.”

Doncaster scored four first-half tries and in addition to two by Edgson, Argentinean flanker Guido Volpi and winger Kyle Evans also touched down for a 24-0 lead at the interval.

With Nottingham, who have now lost six games in nine, still conceding penalties, Doncaster increased their grip as the forwards – No.8 Thom Smith was again a menace – created try scoring opportunities.

Egdson was driven over for his third before his replacement, Will Holling, also benefited from a maul to the line and Doncaster’s seventh for winger Maliq Holden was created by a skilful cross-kick from fly-half Sam Olver who had come on for the impressive Welshman Billy McBryde.

While they were outplayed for most of the contest and failed to take at least two scoring chances in Doncaster’s 22, Nottingham performed with commitment and enthusiasm. Replacement forward Josh McNulty barged over in the 56th and at the climax, another substitute, three quarter Sam Hollingsworth scored in the corner.

“Doncaster are very physical side,” said Nottingham’s backs coach David Ross.“The setpiece battle was the big issue which they dominated. We gave a good account of ourselves when we had the ball, we just didn’t have it enough.”