YORKSHIRE Carnegie back-rower Ollie Stedman is hoping to make it through to the Greene King IPA Championship final for the third time with three different sides ahead of the first leg of this year's semi-final first leg at Ealing Trailfinders on Friday.

Stedman was part of the London Welsh side that defeated Carnegie in the 2014 semi-final, and last year he helped Doncaster Knights push Bristol all the way for promotion.

He was also part of the Newcastle Falcons squad who won the play-offs in 2013 but did not feature in the final, having joined the club in mid-season from Tynedale.

The 25-year-old returned to Yorkshire Carnegie this season, having began his career in the club's academy, when he was loaned to Otley, and has helped Carnegie to runners-up spot in the regular season.

Looking ahead to Friday, Stedman said: "You have to make sure you stay in the fight in the first leg.

"The tie can't be won after the first game but it certainly can be lost, and we have to make sure that we stick to our principles.

"We need to play smart rugby and make sure that we play the tie, rather than the leg. It is a 160-minute fixture and we need to ensure that we stick to our game-plan and make sure we play in the right areas of the field."

Friday's game will be the fifth meeting between the sides this season, having played each other in the pool stage of the British & Irish Cup as well, and the first leg will be played on Trailfinders' artificial pitch.

Stedman does not believe that will be a factor, however, adding: "I don't mind playing on the artificial surface down there.

"I know it is a bit different for the front-row boys with a bit more traction in the pitch but it is a good surface, which makes it even for both teams."

While Stedman has enjoyed success in the semi-finals, Carnegie will be appearing in their fourth semi-final and have not progressed to the final so far, having lost to Newcastle Falcons, London Welsh and Doncaster Knights since 2013.

Stedman says the new crop of Yorkshire Carnegie players are looking forward to the challenge this time around.

He said: "Play-off rugby is the best feeling in the world. You have to take each game on its own merit because everything is on the line.

"The prize of Premiership rugby is there for everyone, and it is why we have been working so hard since last June, and the ball is in our court now.

"That has been our target for the whole year and it is down to us to turn up now and play well on Friday night."

In the other semi-final, Doncaster Knights will face promotion favourites London Irish.

However, the Yorkshire Carnegie forward believes the Knights' experience last year will be beneficial, adding: "Doncaster do like the big occasions.

"Irish won't be taking them lightly but Doncaster will be hoping they can use their experience from last season against a very good Irish side. I think it will be tight, with two big packs going at each other, and that should make things interesting."