Freddie Clarke admitted he is delighted to be playing again after an injury lay-off meant waiting until Friday night for his first match of the season, writes Oli Shapley.

Clarke played the full 80 minutes on his return, but was left frustrated at the narrow defeat to Nottingham, with ex-Scottish fly half Dan Mugford's last minute drop-goal giving the visitors an 18-17 victory.

And the ex-England Students captain reckoned his return could have been more enjoyabe had the Scots been more clinical.

"It felt great to be back playing on Friday, it's been very disappointing having to miss the start of the campaign," said the flanker.

"It was a shame that we were on the wrong end of the result.

"We did very well to get back into the game after being behind at half-time, but ultimately we left a few opportunities out there which proved costly."

Scottish travel to Castle Park this Saturday to face Doncaster Knights.

The Scots recorded an impressive victory there last year, and Clarke wants a repeat performance this weekend.

"We are all determined to put it right in a winning performance against Doncaster," he added.

"We can take inspiration from the win there last year and we all want to get back to winning ways.

"Doncaster are third in the league at the moment so we know that it will be a very tough match, but we have played some of our best rugby this season against the teams near the top of the table."