A thrilling British and Irish Cup opener on October 11 saw Doncaster Knights edge out Cross Keys 32-37 at Pandy Park.
Keys went ahead in the secondminute when a break from a scrum saw skipper Leon Andrews glide through a gap in the Knights’ defence to score.
Dorian Jones added the conversion and kicked a penalty just minutes later.
The Knights took advantage of a loose ball from Keys on the halfway line to score a straight forward try under the posts, centre Matt Clark touching down.
Dougie Flockhart added the extras before he kicked a penalty to level the scores after 15 minutes .
The Knights went ahead for the first time with 20 minutes played when Flockhart kicked his second penalty.
Immediately from the restart the ball bounced through in to the arms of Keys winger Polu Uhi, who scored his side’s second try of the game. Jones failed to add the conversion but Keys were back ahead
Just before half-time, Doncaster reclaimed the lead when their number eight Phil Eggleshaw crossed for a try off the base of a scrum and Flockhart added the conversion.
Keys started the second half on the front foot and a delicate chip through from Dorian Jones allowed centre Barney Nightingale to cross for a try in the corner.
Jones kicked the conversion and Keys were back ahead. That lead was extended when Jones kicked a huge penalty from just inside the Knights’ half.
A Flockhart penalty spurred the Knights on and they got their third try when Michael Hills was driven over the line with a little over ten minutes remaining. Flockhart added the conversion.
Doncaster were awarded a controversial fourth try when winger Andy Bulumakau scored, despite the referee being notified of a forward pass by his assistant.
Keys clinched their fourth try with five minutes remaining but could not score a winner and face Bedford Blues away on October 18.
• Match report by David Glastobury. www.CrossKeysRFC.com