Knights are charging on in pursuit of derby clash
DONCASTER KNIGHTS’ centurion Paul Jarvis says he would love another crack at Yorkshire Carnegie – if the Knights secure their place in the play-offs.
Having beaten Carnegie 31-25 in last week’s televised clash, the Knights know that if they do the business today at top four rivals, Cornish Pirates, they can look forward to playing a part in the business end to the season.
A fourth straight league win at the Mennaye Field would also take them a huge step closer to a decisive clash against their county rivals: the two will meet if they occupy second and third place.
“Personally, I would like that because there is always that added spice with derby days. It brings out 100 per cent in everyone and I’m happy with our team when we play against them,” he said.
“We’re a tight-knit group, and I think we have the upper hand on them on that.”
Full-back Jarvis, who made his 100th appearance for the club in the local derby, added: “We won’t count our chickens yet, but we’re heading in the right direction.
“We’ve got some big games coming up against the teams around us. We’re probably one win away from the play-offs.
“It’s always a battle at the Mennaye but I don’t think I’ve ever lost there.
“They’ve got good young coaches and they play a good brand of rugby so it should be good because I think we play in a similar way.
“We’re hitting form at the right time. We were there or thereabouts for most of the game against Carnegie last week and we’ve produced strong performances over the last few games.
“Anything can happen once you get to the play-offs as Bristol showed in recent years with their many struggle before they beat us last year. But that experience will help us this season. Last year it was an unknown for us, we just took every game as a new experience.
“We have lived those experiences now and we can only benefit from that.”
The Pirates recent run of seven wins ended abruptly with three consecutive defeats over their last three games but a return to winning ways today would help keep alive their hopes of ultimately making the play-offs.
Coach Gavin Cattle said: “We have been under pressure recently, but I have been proud of the boys and if we can return to winning ways then it would be an achievement and great for both them and the club.
“It would also, perhaps, keep our chances of making the play-offs alive.
“Doncaster are a good team so we are aware it’s going to be another tough contest and that we mustn’t underestimate the threat they pose.
“Our preparation, however, has gone well, and having a number of our dual-registered players back provides a boost.”