Knights aiming to extend Cup form

Posted on Oct 26, 2012 in Doncaster

Brett Davey has announced his squad to face Moseley for Friday’s crucial Championship encounter at Castle Park.

Following last week’s emphatic victory over Nottingham Davey has elected to go with an almost identical back division to the one that performed so well at Meadow Lane. The only difference is the selection of speedster Tyson Lewis replacing Dan Smith who is recovering from a knee injury.

The only other changes come in the front row, loose-head Tom Davies is back to full fitness and replaces impressive debutant Jack Bergmanas who takes his place on the bench. Another change upfront sees the inclusion of an exciting new signing, Leicester Tigers prop forward Keiran Brookes.

Brookes joins the Knights on a dual registration with the Premiership giants and with a wealth of experience. The 22-year-old accumulated over 40 appearances with Newcastle Falcons before joining the Tigers and has also represented England and Ireland Under 20s and the England Saxons.

After gaining their first win of the season against Nottingham last time out, confidence is high at Castle Park and Head Coach Glen Kenworthy believes the Knights have turned their fortunes around.

“The lads are in really good spirits and I’m positive we are a good enough team to beat Moseley at home.

“Last weekend so many players stood up and played exceptionally; if we do that again we can beat any opposition in this league.”

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Knights primed for battle

Posted on Oct 19, 2012 in Doncaster

Brett Davey has named his squad for Friday’s British and Irish Cup clash with Championship rivals Nottingham Rugby. The Welshman makes his Cup intentions clear, naming a very strong team as the Knights go in chase of that illusive first win.

Several changes have been made to the side that lined up against Scottish Champions Melrose last week, notably a complete changeover in the front row due to injuries at the helm of the scrum. Promising teenager Adam Tamanis makes his competitive debut for the Knights and will be joined by the familiar faces of Tom Davies and Rhys Buckley.

Captain Matt Challinor is back to lead his side in the boiler house of second-row, whilst the back row sees Adam Kettle move from no.8 to blindside flanker alongside Jethro Rawling and fan favourite Chris Planchant.

There are only two changes to the back division with Dante Mama continuing to show his versatility, this week playing at outside centre and Louis Silver replacing the rested Chris Hallam at scrum-half. Dan Smith gets a second start in two games following his try-scoring performance last Saturday.

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Knights ready for Pirates invasion

Posted on Sep 27, 2012 in Doncaster

Brett Davey has announced the XV that will start for the Knights’ Friday evening fixture with Cornish Pirates. In what is only the second home fixture of the new season for the men from Castle Park the Knights’ Director of Rugby has rung in a series of changes to the side that lost out to London Scottish last weekend.

David Bradford returns to openside flanker in the starting line up for the first time since last season. Another change in the back row of interest sees seasoned campaigner and Castle Park favourite Chris Planchant start at number 8, the Welshmen was included on the bench for the first time last weekend following his return to fitness after an off-season operation.

Other changes to the pack see Captain Matt Challinor return to the second row as Adam Kettle gets the nod at blindside flanker and Brian McGovern will partner Rhys Buckley and Tom Davies up front.

The only difference to the backline that started last Saturday is that Dougie Flockhart and Dante Mama will switch places; the former lining up on the wing and latter making his first start at his preferred full-back position.

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Knights out for an upset

Posted on Sep 13, 2012 in Doncaster

A trip to Kingston Park to face Newcastle Falcons is the next port of call for the Knights as they attempt to spoil the party by putting a stop to Dean Richard’s perfect start to the 2012/13 Championship season.

The Falcons have picked up two bonus point victories on the road against Bristol Rugby and London Scottish in their quest to make an immediate return back to the Premiership.

Brett Davey has named a side with few tactical changes to the one that came close against Bristol last week, the only alteration being Will Simpson and James Tincknell swapping their position in the centres. Injuries have forced a couple of other changes to the side, Chris Hallam and Jerry Cronin both start as Louis Silver and Tom Davies recover from knocks. Director of Rugby, Davey knows his men will have to be at their best to compete with a side that have hit the ground running in their first Championship season.

“We knew that the first four games of the season were going to be tough; three away from home including taking on arguably the league’s top two sides.

“Against Bristol we played well and I’d like to build on that performance on Friday, we know it’s going to be a tough ask, the depth and quality of Newcastle’s squad is very high, but we’ll go there with confidence and try to play our brand of rugby.

“If we can do things well and we understand what we’re trying to achieve then we’ll give them a decent contest.”

Knights line-up:

15) Dougie Flockhart

14) Dante Mama

13) Will Simpson

12) James Tincknell

11) Tyson Lewis

10) Jamie Lennard

9) Chris Hallam

1) Brian McGovern

2) Rhys Buckley

3) Jerry Cronin

4) Royce Cadman

5) Phil Hoy

6) Matt Challinor ©

7) Jethro Rawling

8) Adam Kettle.

Replacements; 16) Andy Brown, 17) Ben Sowery, 18) Andy Boyde, 19) David Bradford, 20) Sam Pailor 21) James Munro, 22) Tom Barrett

RUGBY NEWS: Knights ready for Championship opener

Posted on Aug 31, 2012 in Doncaster

Brett Davey has named seven debutants for Doncaster Knights first Championship match of the new season against Plymouth Albion.

The Director of Rugby has selected a very strong side on paper led by the recently appointed skipper Matt Challinor who is excited for tomorrow’s big kick-off at Brickfields (3pm).

“It’s really exciting to get under way this Saturday, we’ve worked hard in pre-season and identified the problem areas that need

putting right, but we are quietly confident and looking forward to the Championship season.

“We need to target our ruck defence which hasn’t been up to scratch so far and being one of Plymouth’s strengths we will need to address it from the first breakdown. We know they’ll be tough to beat with a good pack and tight defence, but we are up for the battle.”

New recruits Rhys Buckley, Brian McGovern, Royce Cadman, Jethro Rawling, Sam Pailor, Dante Mama and James Tincknell will all have a massive hand to play in Saturday’s match as they continue to bond as a unit improving in each of the pre-season matches.

The returning outside-half Jamie Lennard has only missed one kick from the tee, clattering the post against Cambridge, but his new leader believes he is the vital component that was missing last year.

“Jamie’s goal kicking record speaks for itself, but he offers much more than just kicking from the tee, he gives us guidance and places us in the right areas of the pitch,

which was missing last year.

“Personally I am looking for a better performance because I don’t think I’ve done enough in the friendly matches. I’m comfortable at flanker, but need to prove my worth in that jersey to earn the respect of the new lads and lead from the front, but I’m sure league

rugby will bring the best out of me again.”

The Knights know how tough a trip to Devon can be, last year losing out 18-6 thanks to two Tyson Lewis tries, but confidence is high in the camp and they will be searching for a win on their first outing to register points on the board.

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