Ring-rusty Knights put up a fight in second half

EALING’S preparations for the intended start to the Championship in March gathered pace at Castle Park with their outstanding pack setting up a convincing victory.

However, the Knights, containing eight new players in the starting XV, improved significantly after a poor first half, in which they conceded five tries, and made Ealing work hard for the win.

“We showed some good stuff and nice touches,” said Ealing scrum-half Craig Hampson. “We played in the right areas and our scrum and maul were very positive.”

Doncaster were initially ring rusty, not having played for ten months, but they improved significantly after a poor first half in which they conceded five tries.

However they must improve discipline as their high penalty count was ruthlessly exploited by Ealing, who counterattacked quickly to create a lead of 26-7 after little more than 30 minutes.

The Knights started brilliantly and in the second minute full-back Tom Bacon ran more than 60m to score. But subsequent penalties and poor setpiece handed over control.

While Ealing’s first try by winger James Cordy Redden may have been lucky with his foot appearing to be in touch, the others certainly were not.

Scores by forwards Will Davis, Bobby de Wee and Guy Thompson demonstrated Ealing’s pack superiority and the Londoners’ dominance of territory strengthened when Hampson charged down a clearance kick to grab the fifth for a lead of 31-7.

Doncaster showed their true capability after the break. Again, they scored early when winger Kyle Evans skilfully took a high cross-kick. Five minutes later hooker Will Holling was driven over with Knights’ pack showing they could match Ealing’s.

The conversion cut the gap to 33-21 and following a fourth try, a thrilling backs move enabling centre Mark Best to create a try for winger Aaron Reed, Ealing’s advantage was reduced to 38-26 with over 20 minutes remaining.

Doncaster, though, could not maintain this solid recovery and Ealing scored a seventh try when winger Dean Hammond touched down from a kick by fly-half Steve Shingler.

Doncaster flanker Sam Graham, signed from Bristol, said: “It’s tough playing Ealing first time out, but we were hungry and willing and while we were our own worst enemy we showed we’re going to do some special things this year.”