Doncaster produced their first National League division two victory of the season when toppling below-par Harrogate 29-23.

Harrogate started well and took a six-point lead within the first ten minutes with two well-struck penalties from fly half Lee Cholewa.

Too many missed tackles in the Harrogate defence created openings for the Doncaster attack and before half-time they ran in three converted tries from full back Deakin, centre Chris Yates and a push over drive.

Soon after the break Doncaster added a penalty and another try from a driving maul which was unconverted to extend their lead to 29-9.

Harrogate were now left playing catch up and

Cholewa added to his personal tally of 16 points with a try and a conversion.

To their credit, Harrogate prevented any further scores from Doncaster and with the last move of the

match Harrogate wing Paul Clayton squeezed in at the corner for a final try which Cholewa converted from the touchline. But with the difference down to six points Harrogate simply ran out of time to have any chance of a comeback.

Harrogate coach Ralph Zoing shared his team's disappointment as they were well beaten by the better side on the day. Doncaster remain perilously close to the relegation zone but they will have taken heart from this result.

As a result of the defeat Harrogate slipped to fifth place after getting a sharp reminder that there is not much difference in the quality of the teams in the division.

Updated: 15:35 Monday, October 13, 2003