In an electrifying Championship Rugby clash at the 4ED Hartpury Stadium, Hartpury staged a remarkable comeback but were denied victory as Doncaster snatched a late try to level the score at 33-33.
Doncaster raced to a commanding 21-0 lead with tries from Rhys Tait, Matt McNab, and Telusa Veainu. However, Hartpury refused to wilt. Brad Denty sparked the resurgence before Ellis Hart capitalized on a maul to narrow the gap to 21-14 by halftime.
The momentum fully shifted as Alex Morgan dazzled, breaking two tackles to score and level the match. Harry Bazalgette’s penalty gave Hartpury their first lead, though Zach Kerr’s pace pushed Doncaster back ahead. Bazalgette’s subsequent penalties extended Hartpury’s advantage to seven points with six minutes remaining.
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In dramatic fashion, Cameron Kelemeti’s late converted try for Doncaster ensured a thrilling draw, ending an enthralling contest.
Elsewhere in National League 2 West, leaders Camborne secured a hard-fought 19-14 victory over spirited Cinderford at Bell Sports and Rugby Park. Despite Cinderford’s powerful counterattacks and a penalty try, Camborne’s Ben Priddey and Sam Matavesi delivered pivotal tries to claim the win.
In Regional 1 Midlands, Newent suffered a 23-16 defeat to Lichfield despite an early 13-0 lead. Lichfield’s resilience paid off as they clawed back with converted tries and crucial penalties, ultimately sealing the comeback. Drybrook also fell 32-15 at Banbury, despite tries from Mitch Baldwin and Cai Rogers.
Other notable results include Stow-on-the-Wold’s 19-7 win over Hereford, Cleve’s 31-20 victory against Longlevens, and a high-scoring 46-46 draw between Cheltenham and Royal Wootton Bassett II. Gordon League edged Chosen Hill Former Pupils 14-12 with strong defensive holds and penalty kicks.
In the Counties leagues, St Mary’s Old Boys topped Gloucestershire 2 after beating Dursley 28-18. Smiths secured a thrilling 45-36 win over Tewkesbury, highlighted by a hat-trick from Brendan Llewelyn for Tewkesbury. Old Patesians comfortably defeated Bream 31-14, while Brockworth and Berry Hill posted emphatic wins in Counties 3 Gloucestershire North.
In Women’s rugby, Gloucester Hartpury narrowly escaped with a heart-stopping 29-28 victory over Trailfinders at Kingsholm, thanks to gritty defense and timely scores from Jade Shekells and Sarah Beckett’s brace. Cheltenham Tigers II dominated Reading Abbey 44-20, while Drybrook’s Katie Carter starred with a hat-trick in a 29-5 win at Chinnor Kites.
In NC3 South West (North), Fairford benefited from a Tewkesbury forfeit to maintain their top spot, while Hucclecote clinched a nail-biting 17-15 win over Supermarine.
These competitive fixtures underscore the determination and passion thriving across the rugby leagues this season.