HARTPURY suffered their first defeat of the new Champ Rugby season after being shut out in the second half of a 29-15 loss at Doncaster Knights.

The visitors had led 15-14 at half-time at Castle Park on Sunday, but Doncaster responded after the break to score 15 unanswered points and secure their first victory of the campaign.

Hartpury found themselves behind inside two minutes when Telusa Veainu broke through to score beneath the posts, with Alex Dolly converting.

However, Pury quickly hit back. Jack Cotgreave chased down a loose bouncing ball to score before flanker Harry Short finished a strong team move to put the visitors ahead.

Doncaster regained the lead through James Isaacs, who powered over from a lineout drive, but Harry Bazalgette’s penalty on the stroke of half-time sent Hartpury into the interval one point ahead.

The contest turned after the restart, with Hartpury unable to add to their tally.

Dolly kicked Doncaster back in front from the tee before former England international Semesa Rokoduguni broke down the right and released Zach Kerr to score in the corner. Dolly’s touchline conversion stretched the advantage to 24-15.

Hartpury continued searching for a way back into the contest, but the Knights’ defence held firm before Penaia Tagutu crossed eight minutes from time to seal the result.

The visitors pushed for a late score which could have brought them back within bonus-point range, but Doncaster defended their maul and closed out the victory.

Hartpury had opened their league campaign positively, but their first setback leaves them looking for an immediate response.

They face a short turnaround before welcoming Ampthill for their first home fixture of the Champ Rugby season on Friday night, when they will aim to return to winning ways in front of their home support after Sunday’s disappointment in Yorkshire.