PREVIEW | Dons v Sheffield Eagles

The Dons will aim to keep their run of form going against rivals Sheffield Eagles at the Club Doncaster Sports Village on Sunday 23 August (3pm KO).

When the two teams last met in April, Richard Horne’s side ran out 46-0 winners at the Steel City Stadium, and the aim is there to secure another positive result this time around.

The opposition currently sit in seventh, but a win could move them level on points with further up Barrow Raiders and Widnes Vikings. Last time out, they came from behind at half-time to narrowly beat Hunslet 28-26.

Meanwhile, Dons backed up their dramatic late midweek win at Barrow with an emphatic 44-16 victory over Midlands Hurricanes. Two games now remain, and Sunday’s derby presents the opportunity to move within touching distance of securing a top four spot.

Speaking about the Midlands triumph, Horne said:

“I am really proud of the boys. They had three games in seven days, and to secure wins in all of them is fantastic.

“We had very little time to prepare, so it was just about energising and making sure the players were ready to go.

“At half-time we talked about putting them under pressure and I thought we did that well, so I am very pleased.”

On the upcoming test against Sheffield, he said: “It is always great to manage and play in a derby. We will prepare properly and make sure to freshen up the players as best we can.

“I have got some decisions to make teamwise, because so many are playing well. But it is a good position to be in going into the backend of the season.”

Luke Briscoe was one of the tryscorers in the victory over Midlands, adding four points to the tally in the second-half.

On the performance, he said: “We had a tough week playing three games. Our aim was to win all three, so to come away and do it was brilliant.

“Midlands are a tough team to beat, so credit to them, but the boys dug in hard. It is always nice to score first to put points on the board, and I think that definitely helped us out.”

Speaking about the battle for a strong finish to the season, Briscoe added: “Our aim is to push for the top four spots, so we want to keep on a winning streak.

“We are getting players back at the time of the year that we need them. Having a lot of choice in the squad is a nice problem for Rich to have.”