Youngs Confident Ahead of Play-Offs

Tom Youngs picked up his second Man of the Match award of the season after an impressive performance against Bristol on Sunday.

The 22-year old only converted to his current position at hooker last season and has made an impact on the Nottingham side.

Though disappointed to lose, he believes his side have every chance going into their first play-off match against Exeter in two weeks time.

He said: "It was a hard game against Bristol and obviously we were disappointed not to come out with the win. We are trying to build into the play-offs, which start later this month.

"I think we have improved a lot and on the way up, but it is a shame we didn't get the finish we wanted yesterday.

"We have been building our confidence as a squad and working on new things in training, trying to improve our defence.

"That played a big part in Sunday's game and we are working towards being able to fire on all cylinders when we take on Exeter at Meadow Lane in a couple of weeks."

The Green & Whites may be looking ahead to the play-offs but they face Coventry at home on Saturday, which will prove vital in their preparations.

Youngs said: "We will be going into our third successive home game, which is really good for us with some tough ones coming up.

"We played Coventry here in the cup two weeks ago but this weekend's game will be a very important part of our build up.

"It's our last chance to try new things out and get everything right before we play Exeter.

"As a squad I think things are really coming together and it will be important to put in a good performance and get a win going into Exeter."

Youngs is delighted to have been drawn against the second-placed side in the opening weekend, he said: "I think it is fantastic to get Exeter first up in the play-offs. I hope that we can knock them over here.

"It's good to play the top teams because all the pressure is on them and not us, which means we can just go out and play.

"I think in front of our home crowd and with their vocal support behind us there is every chance we could win and set ourselves up nicely for the remaining games."

Nottingham face Coventry at Meadow Lane on Saturday (3pm). Tickets for this match are priced at just £15 for adults.