Doncaster 13-28 Bristol
| Doncaster (13) 13 |
| Try: Hurrell Con: Cusack Pens: Cusack 2 |
| Bristol (11) 28 |
| Tries: Lemi, McMillan, Glynn Cons: Sheedy 2 Pens: Sheedy 3 |
Bristol took a significant step towards promotion to the Premiership with victory at Doncaster in their Championship play-off final first leg.
The hosts held a slender 13-11 lead at the break, with Will Hurrell and David Lemi exchanging tries.
But second-half scores from Ross McMillan and Ben Glynn put Bristol, who finished the season top of the table, in command of the tie.
The two teams play the second leg at Ashton Gate on Wednesday, 25 May.