Scottish are denied by Foley’s late contribution

A LATE penalty from replacement fly-half Charlie Foley earned Doncaster a narrow victory at Castle Park against an impressive London Scottish side who deservedly held the lead until the final act.

Scottish, playing with flair and never once looking like a team struggling towards the bottom of the Championship, controlled the first half comfortably, having scored an excellent try by flanker Matt Marley and a penalty and a conversion from new fly-half Jacob Atkins, on loan from London Irish.

And Scottish’s dominance and a glimpse of a win soared on 52 minutes as No.8 Jo Atkinson barged over for their second try, and with Atkins converting again, they seized a 17-6 lead.

However, Doncaster, putting behind them a sluggish and poor first half effort, recovered strongly. Winger Tyson Lewis, dashing 30 metres to the line, completed a thrilling counter-attack in the 55th, and then nine minutes later, Lewis played a major role in his team’s second try.

His exciting run ended as he was tackled just short of Scottish’s line, but support from flanker Michael Hills ensured his team got the try and slashed the Scottish lead to just one point.

However, Scottish continued to press and almost broke through again on 72 minutes, but Doncaster defended solidly and were reprieved as their opponents conceded a penalty.

Two minutes later, they were penalised again, giving Foley the opportunity to give Doncaster the lead for the first time. He took his chance superbly on 74 minutes, so even though Doncaster led by 19-17, Scottish still had time to fight back to record a win.

Doncaster retained possession and kept calm to deprive Scottish any more opportunities in a tight match the visitors were unlucky to lose.

“The paint came off the walls at half-time,” admitted Doncaster coach Clive Griffiths.

“We were in a hole, but fortunately we stopped digging. I thought our bench was magnificent and Foley stepped up well to the challenge.”

While Doncaster earned their seventh league win, Scottish had to be satisfied with only a losing bonus point.

Scottish head coach Dave Morris said: “I’m proud of the boys who put together some really good stuff. They are devastated to not come away with a win. This was one that got away.”