Knights put up a fight but Reds power tells

THE power of Jersey’s pack, which is delivering such a successful season with only one defeat in 19 league games, was again on convincing display at Castle Park where it was Doncaster’s turn to suffer as they were beaten by eight tries to three.

Having seen his team win their 17th league match, coach Harvey Biljon was highly satisfied.

“The effort of our forwards was excellent, but we are finding a balance in our play by being able to play through the pack and then using the backs,” said Biljon.

“All eight forwards and their replacements stood out and our scrum-half, James Mitchell, was outstanding. Doncaster targeted him, but he showed his class – his kicking and distribution were good.

“James put us in the right places with his speed and tempo.”

It seemed that Doncaster would probably take advantage of playing at home as they scored after only 42 seconds, a try by flanker Robbie Smith, but after this thrilling start by the Yorkshire side, the Reds settled down and gained control which was seldom relinquished.

Jersey winger, Tomi Lewis shot over twice in the first half, and his efforts were well supported by his forwards whose authority fully exploited promising positions when hooker James Hadfield and No.8 Alun Lawrence fought their way over, and with fly-half Russell Bennett converting, the Reds led 28-17.

Doncaster did create opportunities and sustained pressure by their forwards resulted in the award of a penalty try on 34 minutes.

However, they couldn’t improve the scoreboard decisively following the yellow card against Jersey lock Sean O’Connor, dismissed for collapsing the maul.

Just as the first half, Doncaster started the second confidently. Their pack threatened Jersey’s line, scrum-half Alex Dolly spotted a gap and fed centre Joe Margetts to score. With Dolly converting, the Reds’ lead was slashed to 28-24.

That was as close as the Knights came to overcoming the Championship’s second best team.

From then on, Jersey’s forwards increased their aggression, creating four more tries through Bennett, full-back Brendan Owen and the final two from replacement prop Eoghan Clarke.

Doncaster have now lost 10 league games having been defeated at home in consecutive matches, but skipper and fly-half Sam Olver believes they were better than the outcome: “I’m proud of the way the boys stuck at it and their late tries didn’t reflect the game overall.”