Doncaster Knights: Griffiths delighted with impact of Jarvis on return

Highly-rated Doncaster Knights full-back Paul Jarvis celebrated his return to action with a try in the club's 42-27 B&I Cup win at Cardiff Blues Select XV.
Paul Jarvis made a try-scoring return for the KnightsPaul Jarvis made a try-scoring return for the Knights
Paul Jarvis made a try-scoring return for the Knights

Sidelined since September with a serious hamstring injury, Jarvis crossed from close range for a first-half try prior to coming off just after the break, as had been planned.

“He was probably back playing with us a bit earlier than some people expected,” said director of rugby Clive Griffiths. “He didn’t break through in typical Jarv fashion but he was always difficult to tackle.

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“Obviously it will take him a little time to get back to his best after being out for so long but he’s put himself in the frame for this weekend.”

Although Knights scored less and conceded more points than they had done a week earlier against the same opposition at Castle Park, Griffiths said it hadn’t come as a surprise.

“We knew it was going to be a tougher game than last week down there,” said the Welshman. “It was a bit patchy at times but we scored six top-drawer tries.

“We went down there to try and win the game and pick up another bonus point if we could and that’s what we did so it was ‘job done’ in that respect.

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“The only downside was that we lost prop Owen Evans with concussion and he’ll miss this weekend’s Championship derby at Rotherham.”

There were fears at one stage that former Rotherham skipper Will Owen would also be a doubt for the trip to Clifton Lane.

“Will picked up a knock just before half-time and we thought he might have to come off but he shook it off and played the second half and didn’t need any treatment,” said Griffiths.

In addition to Jarvis, hooker Dave Nelson, back-rower Jack Ram and utility-back Charlie Foley also returned after injury.

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“Dave Nelson, who was standing in for Ben Hunter (Achilles tendon) played the full 80 minutes and did well,” said Griffiths.

“It was more of a precaution than anything else to leave Ben out and he’ll come into contention for the Rotherham game.”