Underdogs Triumph: Doncaster and Bedford Shine in Premiership Rugby Cup Upsets
Championship sides Doncaster Knights and Bedford Blues delivered stunning performances, defeating Premiership giants Sale Sharks and Bristol Bears in the Rugby Cup.



Doncaster's Dramatic Victory Over Sale Sharks
In a nail-biting encounter, Doncaster Knights edged out Sale Sharks with a 20-19 victory in Pool A. The match was a rollercoaster, with Sale taking an early lead through Rekeiti Ma'asi-White's try. However, Doncaster fought back fiercely, with Telusa Veainu and Semesa Rokoduguni scoring crucial tries. Despite Obi Ene's late try for Sale, a missed conversion by Tom Curtis sealed the win for Doncaster, keeping their quarter-final hopes alive.
Bedford Blues Dominate Bristol Bears
Bedford Blues showcased their resilience with a commanding 23-14 win over Bristol Bears in Pool D. The home team scored three tries, with Nathan Langdon, Will Maisey, and Fred Tuilagi crossing the line. Although Bristol managed two converted tries, a penalty by Maisey extended Bedford's lead, ensuring a well-deserved victory. This win keeps Bedford in contention for the quarter-finals, albeit with a challenging path ahead.
Saracens Continue Their March
Saracens maintained their strong form with a 20-0 victory against London Scottish. Tries from Oscar Wilson and Louie Johnson secured a comfortable win, keeping Saracens in the hunt for the quarter-finals. Their final Pool C match against Harlequins will be crucial in determining their progression.
Gloucester and Hartpury Share the Spoils
In a tightly contested match, Hartpury RFC and Gloucester played out a 7-7 draw at Kingsholm. Will Crane scored early for Hartpury, but Olly Allport's try for Gloucester leveled the score. A missed penalty by George Barton in the dying minutes denied Gloucester the win, leaving both teams with a point each.
Looking Ahead
The final round of pool matches, scheduled for the weekend of 14-16 February, promises more thrilling encounters. Teams like Doncaster and Bedford will be hoping for favorable results to secure their spots in the quarter-finals, while Saracens aim to solidify their position with a win over Harlequins.