Doncaster Knights set for highest ever league finish

But on a weekend which saw long-time leaders Bristol clinch top spot, Knights’ hopes of securing second spot in the Championship were dashed by Yorkshire Carnegie’s 31-28 win at London Welsh.

“It would have been nice to have made sure of retaining second spot after beating Moseley on Friday night because to do so would be a huge landmark in the club’s history,” said director of rugby Clive Griffiths.

“But with Carnegie picking up a bonus point win we still need five points from our last two games, neither of which will be easy, to make absolutely sure.”

Knights look likely to meet Carnegie in the play-offs. By finishing second they would have choice of playing home or away first.

The Welshman said he was pleased and relieved to complete the double at bottom club Moseley on Friday.

“We scored a fabulous try after just two minutes which would have been a body blow to them. But they hit back to lead 18-7 in the first half and we were rocking a little bit.

“One thing about this team, however, is that they don’t panic when they go behind and we scored two more tries, the second coming just before half-time, to come in 21-18 after playing into the wind and we controlled most of the second half.”