Knights face fired-up Ampthill in mid-table away test

This is a mid-table scrap with real edge; it’s not just pride — it’s about finishing strong and avoiding getting dragged downward late in the season in a winner finished in ninth place in the Champ.

The teams have played each other 11 times with the Knights wining six to Ampthill’s five. Scoring stats have been remarkably similar but with Ampthill having the upper hand on each statistic. Similarly, each team’s try and points scoring this season has been similar with either team bettering the other on different stats.

For the Knights, this trip represents a real test of away consistency. The Knights come into the match off the back of a solid win over Hartpury, showing their ability to control territory and take chances when it matters. However, their away form has been less convincing, and that will need to improve against an Ampthill side that thrives on home turf.

Ampthill, meanwhile, are enjoying a strong run of form, playing with confidence and attacking intent. Their recent performances have been built on quick ball movement and a willingness to take risks, which has seen them rack up points in recent weeks. They will look to bring that same energy into this fixture and put Doncaster under pressure early.

The key battle is likely to be around control. Doncaster’s strengths lie in their set-piece and structured play, and if they can dictate tempo and keep the game tight, they have every chance of coming away with a win. On the other hand, if Ampthill are allowed to turn the game into an open, high-scoring contest, it could play directly into their hands.

Defensively, the Knights must be sharp. Ampthill have shown they can punish lapses, and any ill-discipline or missed tackles could quickly shift momentum.

Overall, this feels like a pivotal encounter. A composed, disciplined performance from the Knights could see them edge it, but they will need to be at their best to overcome Ampthill.

Last time out Ampthill thrashed Richmond 62-14, scoring ten tries in the process.

Doncaster Knights returned to winning ways at Castle Park with a hard-fought 35–22 victory against Hartpury.” (DRFC website).Both teams will face each other full of confidence after their previous win. In addition to the penalty try scored, pictured Knight try-scorers were

centre Connor Edwards, wing Aiden Cross and utility back Matt McNab.

Other games being played across the Nation:

Friday April 3

Chinnor (5) v Cambridge (14)

Saturday April 4

Bedford Blues (3) v Cornish Pirates (6)

Coventry (4) v Caldy (11)

Ealing Trailfinders (1) v Nottingham (7)

Hartpury RFC ()8 v London Scottish (13)

Richmond (12) v Worcester Warriors (2)

A Knight win will see us remain 9th but within two wins of seventh, if both wins included a bonus point, possibly sixth BUT all three teams would have to lose both games!

A Knight loss will see us drop to tenth because Ampthill will overtake us.

COYK

DONNY, DONNY, DONNY…