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Exeter Chiefs
Exeter Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter is hoping the club's away supporters, who he describes as a "Band of Brothers", will turn out in their droves for this weekend's vital Championship play-off fixture against London Welsh
Saturday's match, which is being played at Esher RFC's ground, The Rugby Ground, on Saturday (KO 3pm), is an important game for both sides. Chiefs are able to guarantee a semi-final place with a win but London Welsh will be eager to capitalise on an away win at Nottingham last weekend to put them in contention.
Baxter said today: "We cannot say enough about our away support. They are more vocal than the opposition fans. They act like a band of brothers out there. It's fantastic to be so well supported.
"The atmosphere at home last weekend was electric. As a coach, I have not felt that here yet. It would be fantastic if we could still feel that crackle of anticipation this week and against Nottingham on May 1 too."
Baxter added: "But the league and play-off programme has shown everybody that you cannot plan the next two or three games. We know this game is very important because it guarantees us a semi-final spot, and then we will start thinking about how we guarantee a top of the pool spot. But it's so tight and so tough, that we cannot afford to lose focus."
Forwards:
Richie Baxter, Chris Budgen, Neil Clark, David Gannon, James Hanks, Tom Hayes, Tom Johnson, Andy Miller, Ben Moon, Ruaidhri Murphy, Saul Nelson, James Scaysbrook, Chad Slade, Brett Sturgess & Hoani Tu
Backs:
Richard Bolt, Phil Dollman, Mark Foster, Danny Gray, Matt Jess, Steve Jones, Josh Matavesi, Paul McKenzie, Bryan Rennie, Nic Sestaret, Clive Stuart-Smith & Haydn Thomas
(Issued by Exeter Chiefs)
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Doncaster Knights
With one of the toughest seasons in recent history behind them and the prospect of the Semi Final of the British and Irish Cup lying in front of them the Knights must focus this weekend on a trip to Meadow Lane to face Nottingham
London Welsh defeating Nottingham last weekend keeps the Knights chances alive, but the Cross Road between success and failure has been reached. Depending on the direction Doncaster this weekend it could be a journey to a second semi final or just the B&I Cup to concentrate on
A fantastic performance against Nottingham in their first playoff meeting saw the Knights come away with the win, last weekend a harsh lesson was taught by Exeter about how tough a team can be at home in this situation. Nottingham are always tough competition for Doncaster, the games always becoming talking points. The fact that the Meadow Lane side will still be reeling from a 7 point loss last weekend to London Welsh, this will make them more dangerous opposition than ever
Oli Goss (Doncaster), Ed Slater (Nottingham) and Tom Youngs (Nottingham) all sit on 2 tries each so far in the playoffs competition. Each will be hoping to collect at least their third try this weekend.
The top two teams in the Play Off groups go through to the Semi Finals, the table currently is topped by Exeter who still have both London Welsh and Nottingham to play.
The equation is simple for Doncaster but not entirely in their own hands as they go into their game against the second placed side.
If the Knights can beat Nottingham and London Welsh, and Exeter can continue their good for and defeat both then a Semi Final place is within the grasp of Doncaster
A loss to either Nottingham or London Welsh, or a defeat of Exeter for either side puts the focus firmly on the British and Irish Cup for the Knights chance at Silverware
Doncaster Knights visit Nottingham Rugby on Sunday afternoon, so will know the result of Saturdays encounter between London Welsh and the Exeter Chiefs.
(Issued by Doncaster Knights)
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Birmingham & Solihull
Bees scrum-half Sam Brown has called for an end to the revolving door which has seen players regularly come and go from Sharmans Cross Road throughout a very difficult season for the club.
The former Redruth player told the Birmingham Post, “I think the fact we stayed here counts for something. The club doesn’t owe us a favour but they have to respect the decision the players made to stay and the sacrifices they made. They should be rewarded in one way or other.”
“Some boys left and they are my friends and they had their own reasons. I respect their decisions. But we stayed and we should be respected for staying.”
“For me the main sacrifice was financial, I am young and not married but the pay cut hurt me. I am probably the person who sacrificed the least but there are people here who struggled on with families and children.”
Full story /www.birminghampost.net
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Bristol
Wing Lee Robinson has told the Evening Post that Bristol can return to the Premirship this season but they can afford no more slip-ups in the process.
The 29 year-old former Plymouth Albion player said: “The play-offs are tough, because the standard of rugby is higher than it was in the normal league games. It is all a bit of an education – but we are learning fast.”
"I think the club is definitely ready for another shot at the Premiership. Bristol is a big city and we have an amazing following.”
"The fans have maintained their support for the club, even though we have gone down a couple of times. They have always been there, and I think the club deserves to be in the Premiership.”
"On top of that, John Brain and Paul Hull are top pedigree coaches, and I think we are ready as a club.”
"There is pressure with the play-offs anyway, and losing that game at Bedford has added a bit more pressure to us. We know we can't afford too many more slip-ups.”
Full story www.thisisbristol.co.uk
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Championship Index 09/10
