A 90-metre interception try in the last minute by Billy McBryde secured the five points for Doncaster against Nottingham.
Doncaster, who have now won eight Championship contests, were under severe pressure in the final minutes as Nottingham, behind 27-17, were pressing relentlessly for a bonus point and were just short of Doncaster’s line when replacement fullback McBryde grabbed a probable try scoring pass.
The Welshman set off down the touchline, but was too quick for two Nottingham players in pursuit. McBryde’s try, Doncaster’s fourth, following earlier scores by centre Robbie Smith, hooker Will Holling and flanker Thom Smith, guaranteed a win which had been open to question considering how much ball and territory Nottingham enjoyed in the second half.
The Green and Whites attacked impressively throughout, scoring three tries through winger Harry Graham, hooker Jack Dickinson and his replacement Archie Vanes, and with the fly half Morgan Bunting, contributing intelligently throughout, converting those trys, Doncaster’s lead was cut to just seven points, with the score at 24-17.
The Yorkshire side survived Nottingham’s pressure which should have led to more scores because of their second half possession, and scrum half Dolly slotted his second penalty with just over ten minutes remaining to make it 27-17, Doncaster were just about favourites.
However, the Knights still needed to repel several late raids and until McBryde’s alert intervention, Nottingham may well have earned a bonus point.
Despite the continuing run of losses, Craig Hammond’s men can take a lot of positives from this game and look forward to a very winable game against Hartpury in the Championship Cup next week.