FRESH from a Yorkshire derby that put their mental and physical strength to the test, Leeds Carnegie face another opponent out to put the spotlight on their title credentials this Sunday.
Doncaster left Headingley Carnegie last Saturday kicking themselves for not kicking their way to a share of the spoils after missing five attempts at goal in a 15-point defeat.
Leeds prevailed in the second half after realising they were finally i
n a battle for the first time since the opening fortnight of the season when they edged past closest challengers Exeter and Nottingham.
Next up for Neil Back's table-toppers is Bedford, who until two games ago had been National One's surprise package winning seven of their first eight games. Two defeats later has seen them drop off the early pace, but with news this week that Nottingham need £150,000 just to see out the season, second spot has again become a reality for Bedford, leaving Back in no doubt that his side will be given another stiff test.
"The biggest challenge is our professionalism, and showing that same level every week," he said. "These games against the teams in the top six come with a fear of defeat and the consequences of that defeat.
"Bedford have lost their last two games but there's no better place to come than Leeds Carnegie where they will try to knock us off our perch.
"Bedford have a well-organised set-piece and good lineout options and we will try to nullify that. They play with a lot of the width and they have the ability to change the way they play and the way they attack."
Back believes last Saturday's win over Doncaster was a 'grounding experience' with his side coming from 13-3 adrift to seal victory with 25 unanswered points.
Coming out of such a test with a positive result was not the most pleasing aspect for Back, who has repeatedly admitted in the aftermath of a 10th straight win that Doncaster presented just the challenge his side needed going into the visit of Bedford and the trip to Cornish Pirates.
"Training has been fantastic this week coming off that second-half performance," he said. "We got the challenge we were craving ahead of the two tough games, but I'm not just looking one or two matches ahead. I can sit here and tell you every game we have until the end of the season – we know what to expect from every team we have to face."
Back and director of rugby Andy Key have a healthy squad to choose from, save for the absence of club captain Mike MacDonald who is on duty with the United States.
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