Pontypridd 19-19 Doncaster Knights

A well organised Doncaster team gained the early ascendancy but Ponty then striking back in style as no 8 Kristian Dacey surged away from the base of a scrum and sent wing Lewis Williams racing in for a try, the score converted by outside half Bramwell.

Far from being a friendly encounter, the game was already a physical and highly competitive affair, although marred by the inevitable pre-season rustiness shown by both sides. Doncaster rallied their efforts and were rewarded as flanker Simon Grainger took an interception to burst through for a try, which was converted by Warnock.

The English visitors took the lead as Anthony Carter crossed for another try, converted by Warnock, as Ponty at times struggled for consistency in their set piece play. The home pack however made amends with a forceful drive towards the line, with lock Grant Harrington emerging as try scorer, setting an interval score-line of 12pts to 14.

There were block substitutions made at half time, and with changes continuing to be made into the second period, the game now lost some of its fluency, but none of its passion. Doncaster once more forged ahead as Goss charged over for a try, leaving the home side with plenty to do during the final quarter of the match.

Ponty rose to the challenge with some forceful play, forwards and backs combining well to send Nathan Strong over for a try, the long range conversion attempt by Kristian Baller just creeping over the bar. With the scores level, the game drew to a tense, and sometimes niggling conclusion, but the final score-line of 19pts apiece being a fair reflection of a hard fought pre-season encounter.