PREVIEW…
Doncaster v Caldy
Today. Kick-off 2.30pm, Castle Park
DONCASTER Knights are out for revenge after the Merseysiders secured an upset victory in the reverse fixture earlier in the season.
Gareth Davies' side beat high flying Doncaster 24-19 in December in a memorable day for all associated at Caldy.
Motivation is high for Doncaster this time around to avenge their early season upset and head coach Joe Ford, under the guidance of consultant director of rugby Sir Ian McGeechan, has made three changes from last weekend's 27-27 draw at home to Cornish Pirates.
Winger George Simpson moves across to the left flank, utility back Jack Metcalf returns on the right, while a change at scrum-half sees former Bath livewire Ollie Fox replace Alexander Dolly inside fly-half Russell Bennett, who was sixth in the points scoring charts coming into this weekend on 80. In the pack, the solitary change is at No.8 as Harry Wilson starts ahead of Jack Digby.
Doncaster inside cen- tre Connor Edwards, below, said: “Preparations are going really well. We're coming into this game off the back of a week off which has allowed the boys to be fresh for the challenge this weekend brings.
They got one over us in the return fixture, so we're looking to get them back on Sunday. We want to make the most of the games that are left, leave everything out there and hopefully finish the season off on a high.”
Doncaster have endured a frustrating 2024 as the only club in the Championship that meet the RFU's credentials for promotion have come unstuck this calendar year, losing irreplaceable ground on their title rivals with just four victories from their last eight outings.
Caldy have won just once in 2024 – a surprise 26-22 against high flying Coventry – and were beaten 29-20 at home to Ampthill last time out.
Matthew Gallagher has enjoyed a fine debut season at Caldy after joining the club from Ampthill, with the hooker coming into this weekend fourth in the try scoring charts with 11 touchdowns as he's benefitted from the club's formidable driving maul.
A new look front row sees Gallagher starts in the No.2 jersey ahead of Oliver Hearn, Adam Aigbokhae is picked ahead of Nathan Rushton and Monty Weatherby replaces Joseph Sproston in the props.
Lewis Barker beats Sam Rogers to the starting spot at 10, Will Robinson comes in for Matt Kilcourse on the wing, while the always dangerous flyer Nick Royle returns in place of Jacob Mitchell.
