Questions for the Free Press

Hi Jamie

The season is developing well. It is a young squad and they are beginning to gell as a team now. Errors and penalties are reducing and we are beginning to score bonus points.
Open rugby when needed, tuck it up your shirt when needed. I think Steve and his team are doing a lot of homework on opposition to come up with an effective game plan which the lads are now carrying out.
Ealing without doubt. The defensive effort was superb.
For me, there are many consistent performers, but I would pick Sam Olver - tackles everything and calm under pressure.
Promotion - not sure the squad is quite ready - if it happens, it happens. Realistically 3rd or 4th.

All based on personal opinion and no doubt we will have different views. I look forward to reading others views on this....

What's your assessment of the season so far from a Doncaster Knights perspective?
I believe the "season" starts in pre-season with all the preparation for the matches to come. Signings rolled in to the season itself which meant the Knights had to recognise where the strengths and weaknesses of new players were before they could be introduced in to the team. In an ideal world the team would have been together for at least three weeks prior to season start but I understand there is increased financial restraints caused by, possibly, reduced budgets that need to be adjusted to and with no guarantee that there would not be further lock-downs this IMO was probably a key priority to The Club. For understandable reasons too the lack or friendlies (Newcastle only) showed in the first three/four games where players took time to adjust to each other and this caused a less than optimal start and some mid-table results.

As the season progressed and the team got to know each other the results have improved. There is now a good blend of forward and backs play dependant, largely, on firstly the opposition being played and secondly the weather conditions. The move away from wasted box kicking, too long or too short, to challenging tactical box kicking is noticeable with a few key players chasing these. Winning is clearly the main priority and bagging the points but bonus points will win the championship and decide the top places. We have initially focussed on the wins and now the bonus points have started to flow.

How would you describe the brand of rugby that Steve Boden has got the team playing?
In the games seen to date, I missed Hartpury away, the players are developing match by match but are not too far off the mark of being an exciting team to watch. Rugby can be boring and a win dug out by slowing play and taking the points when they arise (penalties, etc.), I feel the Knights are looking for the tactical win but will also play fast free flowing rugby when the opportunity arises. This should pull in the crowds if it continues.


Which game would you pick out as Knights' best performance of the season so far and why?
Harping backwards I thought the fast free flowing pre-season game against Newcastle inspired me to believe in the team having a great season, we lost but definitely the best game in my view. However, in the season itself, two games come to mind - Bedford away and Jersey home - which were, I think, consecutive. A tough competitive game against Bedford that we lost but the effort put in was significant but the finishing was off and points were left on the pitch and it was a game we gave away. The Jersey home game was then a well rounded game that was hard fought by both sides with a Knights solid defence repulsing Jersey and a strong win with all the tactics coming together.

Who has been Knights' most consistent performer and which player do you most enjoy watching?
I think Jack Spittle takes it for the player I enjoy watching. His running speed when with the ball, the interlinking play with Maliq Holden and always willing to chase the box kick, etc,.

The most consistent is one of a few forwards Conor Davidson, George Edgson or John Kelly. Overall I think George takes this for me as he has put in several tries this season including, a hat-trick? So, always good for a try and as a hooker he puts in some game winning efforts in defence.

Knights ended 2021 on top of the Championship. Is promotion is a realistic aim and where do you think they will finish in the table?
I suppose we should ask If Leicester are in big trouble with financial irregularities in which case we may have two promoted, unlikely but would make the Championship very interesting! If, as expected, one team is to be promoted then I do not see the Knights being that team despite what will be a strong finish to the season as everything falls in to place. Next season (22/23), if the team stays together, will see a very strong challenge for top place and the paly off for the Premiership. This season I stick with a third or fourth placed finish but it will be close between second and fourth with Ealing gaining promotion if they meet the criteria.

It all depends on how many posts you have posted Sean. You have so far posted 103 your next promotion is to Player and I think that will be when you’ve posted over 300 (I think). Maybe Rob Carville could provide the figures for promotions.

Hi Jamie

I will write one up once I have access to my laptop

Martin

I'm excited by what I've seen and the way the team - who are now beginning to play as a team - are progressing.(Pirates excepted!)
The last two home games, against average opposition it must be said, we totally controlled and always looked to have options (something that was lacking against Pirates when we were, inexplicably after Ealing, utterly clueless)
A lot of players are coming through so yes, I can excited when the word promotion is mentioned.... but I think next year is more realistic.
Beating Ealing had to be up there as best performance, simply because we wouldn't let ourselves be bullied, we adapted and continued to play good rugby.
Arthur Leach

Thanks pairofcoyks's (Sir & King Arthur I presume), again please tell me your name if you want me to include tour real name as a contributor.

Sorry Dean. I used Sir Real of the KORT because I had to submit it and didn't have your wife'name/KORT name.