Winger, Maliq Holden previews Doncaster Knights’ Round Four clash against London Scottish

10th October 2024

Doncaster Knights defeated reigning champions Ealing Trailfinders last weekend, in an exciting away fixture down in West London.

Holden explained how this has given the Knights a boost after a disappointing game the week before: “It was really good for us to respond after a disappointing loss against Nottingham.”

“I think, in many ways, it was the perfect game to play after. It was backs against the wall, and with them being Champions of last year.”

“I think we went out there and we probably weren’t where we wanted to be rugby wise, with the ceiling that we’ve got, but I just thought we fronted up and the no talent stuff we were absolutely brilliant at.”

“During pre-season, we’ d always came on the positive side and won. We’d had like a real nice pre-season if that makes sense. We hadn’t been in those moments like we were against Nottingham. So it was good for us to reset to, to properly show where we were as a team. We probably thought we were a bit further ahead, but we weren’t, and so it was the perfect challenge and I think we did really well in it.” 

Holden hopes that the team will be able to put things right at home during this weekends game.

“It’s probably a bigger challenge than Ealing, in many ways. We were the underdogs going against Ealing we’re probably favourites now. And were aware that we probably are.

“We didn’t give the best account of ourselves against, Nottingham. I don’t want to say we let the fans down because we never go out intentionally trying to lose a game, and we give everything that we can. But, I think there’s definitely a responsibility to now put out a performance, that the fans would be proud of, and that they’ll be happy and not be disappointed with.” 

Holden has 69 caps for Doncaster Knights, and is one of a small group in the team that have been around for a while. He explained what it’s been like adjusting to the new group: “It’s been amazing and really seamless.”

“I think that’s why losing to Nottingham was such a good thing for us. We became so close straight away, and we really enjoyed being with each other. We got on so well and the connection was seamless. Maybe that was the reason that, when we found ourselves under a bit of pressure against Nottingham, we maybe struggled a bit more than we expected.”

“But again, part of being part of this family is that you’re going to go through tough times. It’s how you respond from it. I think we responded really well against Ealing. And now, we have the test of our environment, the test of our team and who we want to be this year. We need to back it up at home, so I’m super excited.” 

London Scottish will be coming off the back of a positive result, having beaten Cornish Pirates. Holden said: “They are a good squad, like a real good side.”

“A few of us went and watched the game last Friday because we were in London. They did really well against a tough Pirates team. Pirates lost on the last play to Ealing the week before, and I think Scottish were were miles better on the day. So, we have loads of respect for them.

“They’re never an easy team to play against so, we’re excited by it. They’ve got a big Quinn’s influence as well, but we’re just excited about going and putting our game on them. So we’ll give them the respect they deserve and hopefully come away with five points.” 

You can secure your ticket for the fixture here.