Doncaster Knights set to break new ground at Ealing Trailfinders

Doncaster Knights will break new ground in tomorrow's Championship clash against Ealing Trailfinders.
Mat Clark breaks clear against Rotherham. Picture: Dean AtkinsMat Clark breaks clear against Rotherham. Picture: Dean Atkins
Mat Clark breaks clear against Rotherham. Picture: Dean Atkins

It will be the first time that the two clubs have met in the capital and the first time that Knights have played on an artificial pitch at this level.

Despite visiting teams having to adapt to the playing surface, second bottom Ealing - who gave a good account of themselves in a 23-17 defeat at Castle Park - haven’t won at home in the Championship since September.

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But the fact that they picked up a losing bonus point against both leaders Bristol and third-placed Bedford, has ensured that there will no complacency on Doncaster’s part going into the game.

“They are down there fighting for their lives and we are expecting a tough game,” said director of rugby Clive Griffiths.

“They spent a lot of money after winning promotion and signed some good players.

“They play the game at 100 miles an hour so they are going to leave gaps so we know that we’ll score tries; it’s just a case of stopping them scoring.”

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Forwards coach Glen Kenworthy says the fact that Knights played on a 4G pitch in a recent B&I Cup game against Newport Gwent Dragons Select – which they won 49-17 - will stand them in good stead tactically.

“Just because you are playing on a 3G pitch doesn’t mean you have to play Barbarians’ style rugby,” he said.

“We’ll just try and play our normal game and try and stop them playing their open game.”