Doncaster Knights: Reaction and injury news following win at Hartpury

Director of rugby Clive Griffiths believes that it is almost time for Doncaster Knights to start looking forward and stop looking back over their shoulder.
Ollie Stedman is an injury doubt for this weekend.Ollie Stedman is an injury doubt for this weekend.
Ollie Stedman is an injury doubt for this weekend.

Successive away wins have seen Knights climb out of the bottom four and open up a 15-point lead over bottom side Hartpury, who they beat 48-21 on Saturday.

“If we beat Richmond at Castle Park and Hartpury lose then we can start to focus on some of the teams above us and try and get back to what we feel is our rightful place,” said Griffiths.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Welshman was impressed with the way that Knights romped to a six-try victory at the Gillman’s Ground, where they lost last season, after turning around just 14-7 up.

“Some of our off-loading and support play was outstanding,” said Griffiths.

He added: “Credit to Paul Cooke for his pre-match analysis.

“It helped us put pressure on their kicker which led to Sam Olver catching the ball 30 or so metres out and then beating several defenders to set up the try for Nick Civetta just after half time.”

Griffiths admitted that Olver’s eye-catching performance in only his second start for the club, standing in for the injured Kurt Morath, could prove to be a double-edged sword.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The worry is that if Sam keeps on playing like he is Ealing will recall him,” he said.

Willie Ryan (ribs) and Ollie Stedman (ankle) both came off in the second half and could be doubtful for Saturday’s game.

The loss of Stedman, in particular, would be a blow given another two-try display.

“He’s done well since he returned to the club late last year,” said Griffiths.

“He’s a lot quicker than some people give him credit for.”