Lewis hat-trick helps Knights grab victory

Inspired by the appointment of new coach Clive Griffiths and by the exciting play of new signing Connor Braid, a Canadian international, Doncaster scored three tries by winger Tyson Lewis in the first half, and then by Rhys Buckler and Doug Flockhart.

Doncaster led 22-3 and appeared to be heading towards an easy win against Jersey, second bottom going into this highly significant contest.

Doncaster, handling the ball efficiently and with a pack which played aggressively, then lost concentration going into injury time. Jersey took a quick line out enabling winger Ed Tellwright to rush through for a try under the posts and with Tellwright kicking a goal to convert, Doncaster were suddenly fighting for their lives.

Jersey were now only five points behind with about three minutes of injury time remaining.

However, Doncaster regained their composure and held on to a narrow lead which provided four priceless league points which may be crucial in their fight to stay in the championship.

This was only Doncaster’s second win in the league but it may turn out to be one of their most important in what’s been a difficult season.

Doncaster won by three tries to two and their other points came from the boot of fly-half Jamie Lennard who kicked two conversions and a penalty.

Doncaster Knights: Braid, Flockhart, Mama, Tincknell, Lewis, Lennard, Hallam (Silver, 78), Davies, Buckley, Francis (McGovern, 71), Challinor, Parsons, Kettle (Hoy, 82), Rawling, Planchant.

Jersey: Bryce, Tellwright, Sanders, Bishop, Dawson, Le Bourgeois, Griffiths (McCormack, 69), Barrington (McCarthy, 76), Boden, Brennan (Gethings, 78), Markham, Hannay, Rodgers, Lang (Silcock, 53), Thompson.

Referee: Darren Gamage (RFU).