Doncaster Knights 19 Esher 11: Wounded Knights are back on top but suffer Field blow

After recent defeats at Henley and Blaydon, beating the side who had overtaken them to lead the table by a point before kick-off was a significant achievement, but this morale-boosting victory was not earned without another injury to an important player.

In addition to the nine who are already missing, the worst injury crisis Doncaster coach Clive Griffiths has experienced in his lengthy career, he will now be without scrum-half Brad Field, who damaged his ankle during the second half.

It is not known for how long Field will be absent, but what is certain is that Griffiths will be busy on the phone trying to find yet another replacement.

He had already made an emergency recall of forward Chris Planchant, now playing for Doncaster Phoenix in Yorkshire One after having retired as a professional.

On a happier note, at this stage it seems that centre and goal-kicker Dougie Flockhart, such an essential component in Doncaster’s team, will be fit to play at Old Albanians on Saturday.

Flockhart limped off after little more than half-an-hour, prompting concerns that there seemed to be a conspiracy almost to deprive Doncaster of their major players. However, Griffiths revealed that Flockhart’s hip injury was not as bad as had been feared.

Following tries by No 8 Adam Kettle, outstanding throughout, second-row Michael Walker-Fitton and flanker Matt Challinor, Doncaster have a three points’ advantage at the top of National One over Rosslyn Park, who are the next visitors to Castle Park in a fortnight.

A similar bruising contest can be expected. Esher, physically tall and powerful, never once retreated in a rugby conflict that in terms of commitment and hardness held the constant attention of the crowd, not far short of a thousand at Castle Park.

Doncaster started strongly on four minutes as Kettle charged to the line and, with Flockhart converting, a lead of 7-0 was established.

But this promise soon evaporated. Esher, whose No 8 Brandon Walker and centre Arran Cruickshanks repeatedly caused havoc, gradually gained control in the first half.

Doncaster’s errors were punished by two penalties on 20 and 30 minutes, and when prop David Millard was driven over in the 33rd minute after Doncaster had lost possession, Esher led 11-7 and were in command.

The rot was stopped after a roasting during the interval from Griffiths.

The response, urgently required, was immediate. The pack won the ball deep in Esher’s 22 and once close to their opponents’ line, Walker-Fitton grabbed the opportunity on 42 minutes.

Doncaster, back in front at 
12-11, had seized the intitiative, but the turning point in the closest of contests for the most part came just after an hour. The Knights won a lineout near Esher’s line and following an exemplary surge, Challinor touched the ball down for the match-winning try.

The conversion by replacement three-quarter Paul Roberts stretched the lead to 19-11.

However, with 20 minutes remaining, Doncaster needed to keep their concentration intact against dangerous opponents such as winger Ashley Smith, full-back Luke Daniels and lock Cameron Gentles, whose counter-attacks continually threatened to break through as Esher sought a bonus point.

They were denied by a stubborn defence which proved to be a major factor in Doncaster’s return to form.

“My try was a team effort and it gave us the confidence from then on to close the game down,” explained captain Challinor.

“Our team seems to change from one week to the next because of injuries, but we can only control the controllable.

“Some of our lads are playing out of position, so we have just to get on with it.

“We’ve beaten one of the best sides in National One and this is something big for everyone at the club.”

Understandably, Griffiths was both relieved and delighted with the four points.

“Our defence was magnificent at the end. This was a proud and committed performance helped greatly by our supporters,” he said. “Kettle was a man mountain and Planchant, who came back for this game, did well.

“This was a gutsy win. We showed lots of character and Esher did not get anything out of it which is important as well.

“Regarding the injury crisis, it’s so frustrating because we can’t keep the momentum going and keep our best 15 to 20 players on the paddock.”

Doncaster Knights: Bryce, Jarvis, Flockhart (Roberts 33), Armitage, Lewis, Davies, Field (Bravo 54), Morris (Bergmanas 76), Santamaria (Hunter 70), Pasquali, Walker-Fitton, Kenworthy (Planchant 70), Challinor, Jones, Kettle.

Esher: Daniels, Smith, Wright, Cruickshanks, Morgensen, Whelan (Garner 73), Shaw (Wilson 66), Millard, Sweeney, Maguire, Gentles, Bibic, Marfarlane (Synnott 76), Wood, Walker.

Referee: M Caton (RFU).