Cambridge produced improved performance during defeat to Doncaster Knights in second round of Champ Rugby matches

While it was a much improved showing, Cambridge went down to a 42-15 defeat away at Doncaster Knights last weekend.

Craig Newby’s side travelled north looking to respond to their disappointing performance first time out this season at home to Ampthill.

They delivered that at least, particularly during a first half in which they led for the large majority.

However, the hosting Knights’ quality eventually told after the restart as they run out comfortable winners.

Newby told the club’s website: “We were buoyant. We came into half-time proud of our first-half efforts and we spoke about sticking to the plan, trying to create pressure on Knights and not on ourselves.

“We cracked a little bit after half time with the weight of their possession.

“They’re a good side, they’ve got some great players and the pressure told.

“Whilst we were proud today, we want to get better and we’ve already started talking about how we can get better, how to turn those transitional points of games back in our favour.”

Dylan Irvine and Eparama Rokodrava both dotted tries for Cambridge, while Elias Caven added one conversion and a penalty.

Cambridge will go in search of their first win of the Champ Rugby campaign on Saturday (18 October) at home to London Scottish.