Centre Matt Hawke says London Scottish’s narrow defeat to Bristol means the exiles can threaten in the Championship play-offs, writes Andy Weston.

Scottish crashed 25-17 at the Athletic Ground last week and will look to bounce back to form at Plymouth Albion on Sunday.

Hawke scored his first try for the club since joining the Championship outfit in November and is keen to add to his tally in Cornwall.

A win this weekend will inch Scottish – who are 12 points clear of fifth placed Rotherham Titans – closer to sealing a top four berth.

And the former ACT Brumbie believes director of rugby Mike Friday’s men are in confident mood.

“For long spells against Bristol we matched them and it was a performance which will stand us in good stead if we do make the play-offs,” he said.

“Bristol had close to a full strength side out, but we competed for 80 minutes which is maybe something we haven’t managed to achieve in the past.

“It has given us renewed belief that we belong near the top of the table and we can take that belief into the game this weekend.”

He added: “Plymouth have done well recently and there are no easy games in this league.

“However if we play to the top of our game we can claim all five points and hopefully I can get over the whitewash again.

“We can take a lot, not just from the Bristol match, but our last away win at Bedford before that which was a great performance to go into future away games with.”