Plymouth Albion 14
Exeter Chiefs 41.

For anyone that was not part of the record breaking crowd will be saying that Albion are on the way down after this result. But for those that were amongst the record breaking 6871 it was a good match to watch and certainly the first half was very competitive with both sides competing well.

I was asked before the match several times what I expected from the game and I replied that I thought that Albion could make it if they played as a team. It would either be a close win to Albion or a thrashing from the Chiefs.  At half time I thought the former was possible but with Albion not scoring a single point in the second half it was not to be. With Chiefs being gifted two easy tries it became the second option much to my personal disappointment.

Losing two good players in the first half are worrying for the future as the half back set up proved successful at Otley and was looking good for the future. Un confirmed reports are that David dislocated his knee and Geoff has broken his jaw. Neither of these injuries, if confirmed, are going to heal quickly. Aldo they will both put further pressure on the Warriors side, I don't think Matt Newman played for the Warriors today so who will fill in as scrum half against the competing Moseley?

 Albion did prove it can score from a driving maul even when it is legally pulled down time and time again. This gave Martin Rice his second try of the season and certainly raised the local support, that was until Exeter came straight back with  try at the other end. Any penalty in range seemed to given to Kieran to add three points to our total and he did kick well.

Chiefs were the best team on the day and deserved the win they also out sang the home support which we must try and organise better.

Albion beat the record gate by 490 and since for the last three seasons the highest gate of the season for us has been against Cornish Pirates will we be doing even better when they come to town, sorry city. With this they move ahead of Pirates into 3rd place in the average gates for the season. LINK

One negative I took from the event was there were a large number of youngsters close to me in the Eric Johns Stand that, whilst otherwise well behaved. seemed to have a constant stream of them going out to get a drink, then a burger, then chocolate. It spoilt my attention of the game and I know put others off as well judging by the moans from behind me.

It was also a shame that I did not hear about the meal deal before I already sorted the family out with drinks and food. Never mind I will know next time, that is if the deal is still on.

View a Printer Friendly version of this Story.

Bookmark or share this story with:

• Digg
• Delicious
• Facebook
• Reddit
• Stumbleupon