Whitehead and Flockhart

Brett Davey has announced several changes in his Doncaster Knights side to take on the Championship’s basement side Esher at Castle Park this Saturday.

A shoulder injury to kicker David McIlwaine sees Dougie Flockhart starting at full-back, with Ben Toft coming into the side on the wing.

Mike Whitehead returns from a long injury lay-off to start at fly-half, while Andy Brown makes only his second league start this season at loose-head prop.

Michael Noone, Andy Boyde and Dom Parsons are rewarded for strong performances against Bedford Blues with places in the starting XV.

The bench sees new young signings Tomas Francis and Gareth Quinn-McDonogh selected at the first opportunity.

Latu Makaafi is missing as he recovers from illness, while Tom Davies is committed through University studies. PJ Gidlow and Tom Luke remain on the injury list although Stuart Corsar is close to full fitness.

Davey this week praised the potential of his new signings, which also included full-back/wing Toby Berridge and second row Dan Smith.

“They’ve given us a real lift this week. They’re all long-term prospects with a lot of potential and they’ll push the club forward at a crucial time.

“They’ve had a lot thrown at them this week and perhaps Tom and Gareth wouldn’t have expected to make the squad so soon – but we want to encourage them to go out and play.”

Kick-off is at 2:30pm.

Knights v Esher

15 Dougie Flockhart

14 Ben Toft

13 Oli Goss

12 Fred Burdon

11 Michael Keating

10 Mike Whitehead

9 Chris Hallam

1 Andy Brown

2 Steve Boden

3 Alex Brown

4 Matt Challinor

5 Dom Parsons

6 Andy Boyde

7 Zack Farivarz

8 Michael Noone

16 Royce Burke-Flynn

17 Jack Yeandle

18 Thomas Francis

19 Adam Kettle

20 Chris Planchant

21 Michael Heaney

22 Gareth Quinn-McDonogh