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Doncaster and Bristol both gained a big advantage in the Championship play-offs
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The Knights survived a late Yorkshire Carnegie comeback to win 30-17 in their away leg
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Bristol were even bigger victors as they ran in six tries in a 45-16 win against Bedford
Doncaster and Bristol both gained a big advantage in the Championship play-offs by winning their semi-final first leg.
The second leg takes place next Sunday, 8 May at Ashton Gate at 15:15 BST while Doncaster’s return match will kick off at Castle Park at 14:30 BST.
The Knight Knights produced a magnificent display to beat Yorkshire Carnegie 30-17 in their Championship promotion play-off semi-final first leg at Headingley.
What had been predicted to be a closely-contested encounter between two sides who finished just a point apart was anything but with Knights dominating a below-par Carnegie side – who only came to life late on – for long periods.
Tries from Will Hurrell, Andrew Bulumakau and a penalty try have given the Knights a 13-point lead to take into the second leg with Carnegie’s retiring fly-half Kevin Sinfield scoring one of their three tries.
Meanwhile, Bristol Rugby will take a twenty-nine point lead into the second leg of the semi-final after a 45-16 victory over Bedford Blues.
The visitors scored six tries at Goldington Road as James Phillips (2), Olly Robinson, Jack Tovey, Ross McMillan and Jack Wallace all crossed in an assured display.
Hooker Charlie Clare got Bedford’s only try while stand-off Jake Sharp kicked three penalties as well as a conversion.