Doncaster Knights snatch last gasp win at Ampthill in Championship opener

Doncaster Knights began the delayed Greene King IPA Championship season with a dramatic win at Ampthill.
Doncaster Knights are back in competitive action. Photo: Alex Davidson/Getty ImagesDoncaster Knights are back in competitive action. Photo: Alex Davidson/Getty Images
Doncaster Knights are back in competitive action. Photo: Alex Davidson/Getty Images

Steve Boden’s side trailed by five points heading into the final few minutes of their first league game for a year.

But Kyle Evans touched down and Sam Olver held his nerve with the conversion to pinch a 19-17 victory at Dillingham Park.

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Olver had earlier kicked three penalties to hand Knights a 9-7 half time advantage, with the hosts responding through a Joe Bercis try converted by Louis Grimoldby.

A Doncaster fumble deep in their own territory allowed Joe Roberts to score an unconverted try for the hosts just three minutes into the second period.

Olver levelled the game with another penalty just before the hour mark but more loose defending allowed the hosts to work space for Alex Humfrey to touch down out wide.

Ampthill pair Humfrey and Alex Pleasants were then both sent to the sin bin following a series of scrum penalties.

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Knights struck in the dying moments when Mark Best switched play and Evans fought his way over the line, with Olver's conversion nudging the visitors ahead.

Elsewhere, former European champions Saracens suffered a shock 25-17 defeat at Cornish Pirates in their Championship opener on Saturday.

Knights host Coventry on Friday (6pm).