Doncaster RLFC v Barrow Raiders: Dons must be at their best to beat Barrow - Thornton

Dons boss Gary Thornton knows his charges will have to play well in tomorrow's League One Super 8s clash at the Keepmoat Stadium if they are to repel Barrow Raiders.
Gary ThorntonGary Thornton
Gary Thornton

The Cumbrians climbed above York and the Dons, whose game was postponed, into third place after posting a big win over second-placed Rochdale last weekend and will not lack confidence.

“They are hitting form at the right time and they battered Rochdale down the middle so we know we are going to have to be at our best,” said Thornton.

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“We produced our best defensive performance of the season when we beat them 21-18 in the league at home earlier in the season, in a game we were a man down for nearly an hour, and we’ll need to produce a similar performance tomorrow because they are a very good side who pose a threat all over the field.

“As I say, we know it’s going to be tough but it’s a game we are looking forward to and one we are desperate to win. It’s just a shame that we aren’t going into it looking to build on a win at York and I just hope we aren’t rusty not having played for three weeks.”

Thornton welcomes back skipper Kyle Kesik, Tom Carr and Brad Foster, but lacks both regular half-backs.

Full-back Carr will cover for injured stand-off Jordan Howden with hooker Ryan Wright standing in for the suspended Jordie Hedges.

Prop Matt Nicholson has been ruled out for the season and may need a third knee reconstruction operation.