Doncaster seeking home comforts

After three successive top-five finishes, Doncaster were outsiders to thwart Bristol's hopes of an immediate return to the Guinness Premiership; although they are only one of two teams to have beaten Bristol this season, their start of six straight defeats has meant a change in aspirations.

With seven games to go they sit ninth, five points and a place below Moseley who occupy the final promotion play-off position.

Third-placed London Welsh are the visitors to Castle Park today with Howells hoping the fixture will signal the start of a winning home run.

"Our home form is going to be vital from now until the end of the season," said Howells, whose side lost 27-21 to Nottingham on Wednesday night in their first competitive action for more than a month.

"We've got a couple of games coming up against the likes of Coventry and Birmingham that we have to be winning, the same applies to when we meet Plymouth.

"It's a big challenge for us but it's a game we are capable of winning.

"We created enough chances to win three games on Wednesday night and we have to ensure we finish those chances off (today)."

Will Hurrell, on loan from Leicester, makes his debut and Doncaster have also signed No 8 Chris Bundy from Welsh side Beddau.

Rotherham Titans, 10th, are also striving to climb out of the bottom four. They travel to Cornish Pirates tomorrow in a fixture that will be beamed back live to the Clifton Lane clubhouse.

Oliver Renton returns to the second row for Wharfedale for their home game with Cinderford.

Richard Brown makes way in the only change to the team that defeated Manchester last Sunday.

Manchester are the visitors to Otley today with the hosts hoping to bank four points and climb further away from relegation trouble in National One.