What a weekend!

The start of the weekend started with a whimper with the Warriors match being called off. So the development side did not have the opportunity of parading around the ground to receive the applause of the crowd after winning the Canterbury Shield.

But from then on everything was on the up.

With an arrangement for the red shirts having their end of season photo taken I arrived with son in toe ready to take the photo only to find that I had been got there under false pretences. 

I was lost for words it was totally unexpected and the best gift ever. Thank you to all of you that made it possible. The framed shirt is ready to go up on the wall in pride of place. It was made even better by presented by Ben Gulliver and Wihan Neethling.

Second bit of good news was the way that the 1st team played against Newbury. A bonus try point match, now when was the last time we played like that. Albion kept a solid defence until going down to 14 men late in the game. Tom Hobbs picked up his debut with reasonable time off the bench after the result was confirmed. Kyle Marriott scores his first try for Albion, Dan Hawkes makes his league debut and Ross Laidlaw picks up his first try when he broke through in the centre to touch down under the posts.  35 - 7 the second best result of the season, the best result being against The All Blacks 50 - 5.

Third I was invited into the changing room to take a photo of the squad. Most of the players were present in a more relaxed set photo. Thanks James.

Forth the Albion Apprentices took on the welsh side Pontyclun and once they had settled they dominated most of the play putting a solid win 31 - 5. I hope to have a full report up soon.

Fifth I you were standing at the right place you would have seen the Albion players coming in in strange get ups ready for their kangaroo court and night on the town. And boy would you see some of them coming!

Sixth a fantastic Sunday luncheon and presentation with plenty of player company although some had hardly made it into bed from the night before. With 220 treated to soup, roast, cheesecake and cheese & biscuits. A real credit to the catering staff at Albion.

Presentations were made to Ed Lewsey for the third annual supporter's player of the season picking up more than 43% of the vote. Mike Denbee picked up the travel club's Mike Turner award for most promising young player. And Jannie Bornman the clubs own Player of the Season. Chris Lowrie who joins the Army on the 4th May was presented an award for his long and faithful service, the only man to raise the County Shield three times!

I am told that this will now be a regular event so I suggest that you book early for next season it is something NOT to be missed.  

And if you thought it was all over then you were wrong. Saturday 3rd May sees the start of The County Championship with Devon playing hosts to Somerset, who have named Mike Denbee in their side. The match is at Barnstaple RFC, check out www.devonrugby.co.uk for updates.

On Sunday Brickfields play hosts to the Plymouth Sevens. This starts around 11am with matches going on on both pitches and there is a BBQ to keep you well fed up.

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