Post by Jamie Crawford on Jan 3, 2022 11:18:24 GMT
Two games into the second half of the season sees Doncaster Knights at the top of the Championship; what a great way to start 2022. Granted seven teams have played one or two games fewer, including three immediately below that could leapfrog the Knights into first but the important fact for the Knights is starting 2022 in first place. The following five questions were asked of supporters:
1. *What's your assessment of the season so far from a Doncaster Knights perspective?
The ‘season’ starts in pre-season with all the preparation for the matches to come. Signings rolled into the season itself which meant the Knights had to recognise where the strengths and weaknesses of new players were before they could be introduced into the team. Ideally the team would have been together for at least three weeks prior to season start. The increased financial constraints and unknowns due to covid, reduced the pre-season friendlies to just one. Therefore, it took a few games for the team to get to know each other’s style of play. The Knights are now a cohesive unit, rather than being a group of individuals, which is better.
The season is developing well. It is a young squad and they are beginning to gel as a team now, which is exciting. Errors and penalties are reducing, and we are beginning to score bonus points. There is now a good blend of forward and backs play dependant, largely, on the opposition being played or the weather conditions.
The exception to this was when we played the Cornish Pirates away when we lacked a game plan. The Knights are looking forward to the Pirates coming to Castle Park on 12th March to rectify their errors.
2. *How would you describe the brand of rugby that Steve Boden has got the team playing?
Adaptability is the key word, examples are open rugby, tuck it up your shirt and run, kick for territory or a tight rolling maul is played when needed. Steve and his team are doing their homework on opposition to come up with an effective game plan which the lads are now carrying out. Winning is the key, sometimes you must win ‘ugly’ by tactics such as slowing play and taking the points when given the opportunity. The Knights are developing the free-flowing and entertaining style that leads to bonus points from scoring four or more tries, whilst maintaining their excellent defence. They have conceded the fewest points in the Championship at home.
3. *Which game would you pick out as Knights' best performance of the season so far and why?
Ealing was the best performance, to beat the league leaders 22-5, who were unbeaten since they lost by three points in their second game was remarkable. The defensive effort was superb. We didn’t let ourselves be bullied and adapted our game plan more effectively to suit the windy conditions.
Also notable was Jersey at home. Jersey was hard fought by both sides with a Knights' solid defence repelling Jersey and a strong win with all the tactics coming together.
4. *Who has been Knights' most consistent performer and which player do you most enjoy watching?
There are many outstanding performers, but identified players are:
Jack Spittle or Maliq Holden for enjoyment, their interlinking play is a pleasure to watch. They are both effective tacklers, rapid and always willing to chase the box kick. Jack’s two 80m sprints resulting in a try and an assisted try were exciting to witness.
Consistency belongs to one of a few forwards Conor Davidson, George Edgson or John Kelly. George holds his hands up because he has scored five tries this season including a hat-trick.
Sam Olver is another dependable tackler, calm under pressure and the fourth top points-scorer in the Championship.
5. *Knights ended 2021 on top of the Championship. Is promotion a realistic aim and where do you think they will finish in the table?
Initially the question raises itself if Leicester Tigers will be punished for historical financial infringements and if this could lead to two teams being promoted to the Premiership this season?
I’m not sure that the squad is ready for promotion, but I hope to be proved wrong if it happens. It is not beyond the realms of possibility but realistically I think the Knights will end the season third or fourth, which is still fantastic. Possibly the Knights would be more ready next year.
Contributors: Jamie Crawford, Wild bill, Sean O'Loinsigh (John), Arthur Leach, Sir Real of the KORT (Knights Of the Roundy Table, Forum avatar names)
My thanks to the contributors. I was asked for just my opinion after I'd asked because the write-up can seem disjointed. I've tried to make it less disjointed without saying that they are all my ideas!
1. *What's your assessment of the season so far from a Doncaster Knights perspective?
The ‘season’ starts in pre-season with all the preparation for the matches to come. Signings rolled into the season itself which meant the Knights had to recognise where the strengths and weaknesses of new players were before they could be introduced into the team. Ideally the team would have been together for at least three weeks prior to season start. The increased financial constraints and unknowns due to covid, reduced the pre-season friendlies to just one. Therefore, it took a few games for the team to get to know each other’s style of play. The Knights are now a cohesive unit, rather than being a group of individuals, which is better.
The season is developing well. It is a young squad and they are beginning to gel as a team now, which is exciting. Errors and penalties are reducing, and we are beginning to score bonus points. There is now a good blend of forward and backs play dependant, largely, on the opposition being played or the weather conditions.
The exception to this was when we played the Cornish Pirates away when we lacked a game plan. The Knights are looking forward to the Pirates coming to Castle Park on 12th March to rectify their errors.
2. *How would you describe the brand of rugby that Steve Boden has got the team playing?
Adaptability is the key word, examples are open rugby, tuck it up your shirt and run, kick for territory or a tight rolling maul is played when needed. Steve and his team are doing their homework on opposition to come up with an effective game plan which the lads are now carrying out. Winning is the key, sometimes you must win ‘ugly’ by tactics such as slowing play and taking the points when given the opportunity. The Knights are developing the free-flowing and entertaining style that leads to bonus points from scoring four or more tries, whilst maintaining their excellent defence. They have conceded the fewest points in the Championship at home.
3. *Which game would you pick out as Knights' best performance of the season so far and why?
Ealing was the best performance, to beat the league leaders 22-5, who were unbeaten since they lost by three points in their second game was remarkable. The defensive effort was superb. We didn’t let ourselves be bullied and adapted our game plan more effectively to suit the windy conditions.
Also notable was Jersey at home. Jersey was hard fought by both sides with a Knights' solid defence repelling Jersey and a strong win with all the tactics coming together.
4. *Who has been Knights' most consistent performer and which player do you most enjoy watching?
There are many outstanding performers, but identified players are:
Jack Spittle or Maliq Holden for enjoyment, their interlinking play is a pleasure to watch. They are both effective tacklers, rapid and always willing to chase the box kick. Jack’s two 80m sprints resulting in a try and an assisted try were exciting to witness.
Consistency belongs to one of a few forwards Conor Davidson, George Edgson or John Kelly. George holds his hands up because he has scored five tries this season including a hat-trick.
Sam Olver is another dependable tackler, calm under pressure and the fourth top points-scorer in the Championship.
5. *Knights ended 2021 on top of the Championship. Is promotion a realistic aim and where do you think they will finish in the table?
Initially the question raises itself if Leicester Tigers will be punished for historical financial infringements and if this could lead to two teams being promoted to the Premiership this season?
I’m not sure that the squad is ready for promotion, but I hope to be proved wrong if it happens. It is not beyond the realms of possibility but realistically I think the Knights will end the season third or fourth, which is still fantastic. Possibly the Knights would be more ready next year.
Contributors: Jamie Crawford, Wild bill, Sean O'Loinsigh (John), Arthur Leach, Sir Real of the KORT (Knights Of the Roundy Table, Forum avatar names)
My thanks to the contributors. I was asked for just my opinion after I'd asked because the write-up can seem disjointed. I've tried to make it less disjointed without saying that they are all my ideas!