Hammond is in his sixth season as Nottingham captain

Nottingham captain Craig Hammond believes this weekend's clash with Doncaster will be a good indication of how the club's season will unfold.

Nottingham sit joint second on points in National One, but they have not beaten Doncaster for two seasons.

"The game will be a big marker on how the rest of the season will pan out but we are confident," Hammond said.

"If we can control the tempo of the game then I am sure we can beat them, we certainly owe them one."

Nottingham go into this weekend's match with a 13-game unbeaten run at Meadow Lane, a trend they will be keen to continue with three home matches in October.

We will be doing all we can to keep our winning streak at home going Nottingham captain Craig Hammond

As well as Doncaster, the Green and Whites also welcome Newbury and Bedford Blues to Nottingham over the next four weeks.

And Hammond knows consistency is the key if Nottingham are to challenge for the title, and promotion to the Premiership.

"It is not a case of sitting back now, we know we need to keep improving and we have some even bigger games ahead, starting this weekend.

"Doncaster is always a big local derby and we haven't beaten them at Meadow Lane yet. It will be good to be back home this weekend and we will be doing all we can to keep our winning streak at home going."