LONDON Irish Director of Rugby Nick Kennedy has warned his side not to take anything for granted when they host Doncaster Knights in the second leg of their Greene King IPA Championship play-off semi final on Saturday (1.15pm).

Exiles produced one of their best performances of the season to take a firm grip on the contest with a dominant 35-3 victory at Castle Park on Sunday, David Paice and Aseli Tikoirotuma collecting a brace of tries apiece and Alex Lewington and Sebastian De Chaves also crossing the whitewash.

Yet Kennedy has told his charges to remain on their guard as they look to take a big step nearer to an instant return to the Aviva Premiership.

He said: “It was a job well done, but it’s only half-time and we need to maintain our intensity for the second leg.

“Our set-piece was dominant as it was when we played against Doncaster in the league two weeks ago, and the boys in the scrum worked extremely hard throughout the afternoon.

“We’re ultimately pleased with where we stand going into the return match, but there are areas we need to work on during this short turnaround.

“If you had given me this lead before the game, I would have bitten your hand off.”

Kennedy continued: “There was a strong wind and it made things difficult for both the kickers.

“We thought Doncaster were going to run the ball a bit more in the opening stages of the game, but I thought our boys dealt with it well.

“In the second half we pulled away, which was good to see.”

Exiles are hoping for a bumper crowd at Saturday’s second leg as they look to reach a final almost certainly against Yorkshire Carnegie.

Kennedy concluded: “Our supporters were fantastic as they have been throughout the season, and they were in fine voice as they cheered us on.

“They really are an important part of the team and at the Madejski too.

“We’re all looking forward to the game.”