By stonehousealbion
October 13 2014
For better or worse, the B&I is back with us. Better for the "glass half empty" merchants because it gives us some respite from the woes of the C'ship; worse for the purists who see it as a Mickie Mouse tournament; full of variables like second string teams, changing venues and kick-offs and expensive long-distance travel for both team and supporters. Nor is it a fully British Cup this year, as the Scots have dropped their handbags (sporrans?) over the formatting. Albion are drawn in Pool 5, along with Leinster A, Jersey and Carmarthen Quins.
Firstly, an aplolgy for the lack of a preview last week due to IT problems and development work at Stonehouse Towers. As you can read elsewhere, we had a creditable home fixture against the cup holders - no cigar, but at least two points. (Remember, the QF qualifiers will be five pool winners plus three best performing second placed teams.) Jersey hosted Carmarthen Quins and managed a decent win. Shanners is definitely a proponent of the competition and took us into the quarters for the first time ever last term. As well as a chance for glory and a modest pot of cash, this is also an opportunity to sort the various hexes on the team.
This coming Saturday sees Albion away in Carmarthen. Our hosts (located on the westerm fringes of the Brecon Beacons) are currently second in the Welsh Prem, so have some sort of form behind them. Some of the Welsh teams have punched way beyond their weight in recent tournaments, so we should expect no easy game. The crowd will be fiercely partisan, but you'll get an old school rugby club experience should you make the trip. (The Travel Club are currently trying to meet the break-even on a coach, so give Martin a call on 07837 530869 if you're interested.)
Here are the games for this weekend:
Fri 17 Oct
(Pool 5) Leinster A v Jersey 19.30
Sat 18 Oct
(Pool 2) Ulster Ravens v Yorkshire Carnegie 14.00
(Pool 5) Carmarthen Quins v Plymouth Albion 14.30
(Pool 4) Doncaster Knights v Cornish Pirates 14.30
(Pool 4) Bedford Blues v Cross Keys 15.00
(Pool 1) London Scottish v Bristol Rugby 15.00
(Pool 3) Moseley v Nottingham Rugby 15.00
(Pool 2) Rotherham v Aberavon 15.00
(Pool 3) Worcester Warriors v Munster A 15.00
Sun 19 Oct
(Pool 1) Connacht v Pontypridd 14.00
(Venues should be home grounds for C'ship sides, check club websites for the Celtic teams.)
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