BRETT Davey has praised the Doncaster Knights board for keeping faith with him and his coaching staff during the club’s 17 match winless run.
Davey’s side brought that run to an end with a brilliant performance at Nottingham in the British and Irish Cup last weekend.
And the director of rugby’s reward for the 27-13 win at Meadow Lane was a text message from club president Tony de Mulder.
Davey said: “I got a text off Tony after the game and it’s probably the best text I’ve ever had in my life.
“The club have stood by myself and Glen Kenworthy and they understood the situation.
“It’s not a club which dismisses people lightly.
“There have been some comments and some of it has been personal.
“But you have to take it on the chin.
“People have every right to ask questions and it’s our obligation to come up with answers.
“I can assure people we’re not happy with where we are in the table.”
The Knights produced a slick performance at Meadow Lane.
A much changed Doncaster side, including youngsters Adam Tamanis and Jack Bergmanas, were far more clinical with their handling and disciplined in defence in the cup tie.
First half tries from Jethro Rawling and Dan Smith – his second in successive games – put the Knights in control, and the accurate kicking of Jamie Lennard kept a frustrated Nottingham side at arm’s length.
Lennard slotted over five penalties and a conversion in total as Doncaster recorded their first competitive win since January’s Championship victory over Esher.
The Knights return to Championship action on Friday night when fellow strugglers Moseley visit Castle Park (7.45pm).
But the strong show in Nottingham will have boosted the squad’s confidence, which appeared at a low point in the defeat to Scottish side Melrose a fortnight ago.
Davey (pictured) was certainly delighted with his side’s show.
He said: “It was an outstanding performance.
“I thought we defended really well and we played some smart rugby as well when the opportunity arose.”
“The team spirit has been fantastic all season and it’s credit to the lads for maintaining that during these tough few weeks.
“We all want Doncaster to move forward as a club and that’s why we are all here.”
Moseley are currently five points ahead in the Championship standings having won twice so far this season.