Bedford the first of number of new faces at struggling Knights

And if they are to avoid relegation they will need to offer much more than the determined defence that was repeatedly required at Castle Park against the unbeaten League leaders.

Beaten by four tries to one by a Newcastle side who seem set to regain their place in the Premiership, Doncaster competed ferociously throughout, but other than scoring a thrilling try at the end of the first half, they created little in attack during the second apart from near the end.

Doncaster finished the first period strongly with Newcastle leading 15-10. Several phases of attacking play close to the Newcastle line eventually delivered an outstanding try by full-back Jamie Lennard.

An intelligent cross-kick by fly-half Connor Braid was caught by Lennard who dashed through to score in the corner.

Lennard converted his own score to cut the Falcons’ lead to only five points, so it was deeply frustrating for their supporters and coaches that Doncaster failed to reproduce similar threats during the second half.

Newcastle, who have now won all 13 of their Championship games, were restricted to two tries in each half because of Doncaster’s effective defence. But, dominating the second half, the visitors showed how chances should be taken. Winger Zach Kibirige scored on 44 and then on 78 minutes to earn a bonus point.

Doncaster’s performance was criticised by director of rugby Clive Griffiths, who felt they had failed to build on a solid effort at Bristol before Christmas.

“We played poorly with the ball, our discipline was poor and had two yellow cards and we have ourselves to blame for not scoring more points,” he said. “I’m not questioning our commitment, but the lack of thought, game management and skill level.”

Doncaster will confirm the signing later this week of scrum-half Joe Bedford, who is returning to Yorkshire after a spell at Newport Gwent Dragons. He previously played for Rotherham and Leeds.

Other recruits are also expected in the coming weeks.

Doncaster Knights: Lennard, Flockhart, Mama, Tincknell, Lewis (Symons 40), Braid, Silver (Hallam 46), Davies, Buckley, Brookes (McGovern 67), Challinor, Parsons (Cadman 70), Pailor (Boyde 75), Rawling (Hafu 54), Planchant.

Newcastle Falcons: Fielden, Kibirige, Crockett (Helleur 73), Tu’ipulotu, Shortland, Hodgson (Luveniyali 60), Lawson (Fury 67), Golding, Vickers (Thompson 67), Tomaszczyk (Wilson 56), Del Fava (Goode 70), Hudson, Wilson, Mayhew (Welch 56), Tu’ifua.

Referee: I Tempest (RFU).