THE future looks bright at Castle Park after Doncaster Knights’ Under 17 side became the first ever team from Yorkshire to reach the National Plate final.
Knights’ juniors will meet Bishop Stortford at Sixways, the home of Worcester Warriors, on Sunday after a hard fought semi-final win against Derby.
Andrew Allen’s team saw off West Park Leeds 12-0 and Chester 8-5 to be crowned Nothern champions and move to within one win of the final.
Midlands champions Derby proved difficult opponents but three penalties and a drop goal from Doncaster’s North of England cap Sam Allen laid the foundations for a 12-5 victory at Castle Park.
Coach Allen said: “The lads had to withstand some strong attacks from Derby and defend their line resolutely.
“But they did that very well and held out for one of their best ever results.”
Knights face Bishop Stortford, winners of the London & South East and South West Divisional semi final in Worcester this weekend.
Squad to face Bishops Stortford: Luke Price, Angus Botting, Lewis Starbuck (capt), Frazer Botham, Oli Mackintosh, Findlay McFarlane, Henry Cotton, Jack Thompson, Mitchell Ashman, Kieran Blaydes, Josh Fowler, Sam Allen, Sam Godfrey, George Wood, Joe Gomes, Dan Smith, Jack Wilkinson, Oliver Wilds, James Farmer, Callum Edwards, Zac Mears, Callum Rankin.