Match Preview 

Exeter Chiefs

v

Plymouth Albion 

Long since have the days past when a minor club from Plymouth arrived at “Fortress Mud” (the County Ground) to bloody the nose of the Mighty Chiefs – a Division 1 side of some note. On that occasion the ancient Donnigan was reminded of the famous  battle at Cumberland Gap when the fledgling Americans gave the “Brits” a bloody nose. On that day despite the Plywood pack literally punching above their weight and drawing blood (frequently) the Chiefs won through. Things have changed in recent years and the Albion have come good to a great degree. In recent times the results between the two clubs have become too close for comfort (All hail the mighty Dawe!). Having said that, in this term the gap appears to have widened considerably in more ways than one. Whilst our near neighbours have arguably made greater steps off the pitch towards the Premiership (look at their ground capacity) they have, if the league table is to be believed, taken a sizeable step backwards on the playing side.

So where are we now? The “Chuffs” as we are known (I’m sure affectionately(???)) west of Exeter, are languishing in second place, admittedly probably out of reach of pole position, whilst Plymouth Albion are basking in the glory of 7^th. What we can’t let ourselves forget, dear tribesmen, is that this is almost like the battle of Wounded Knee to our Janner friends – they see this fixture above all else other than the distant dream of promotion as their reason d’être – “Stuff the Chuffs” at all costs. What will happen after Albions’ total embarrassment at the hands of the mighty Esher last weekend? Will they come good? Personally I doubt it, never mind Cumberland Gap – this will be more like Custers Last Stand – Die by your standard Dawe!! The mighty maul is no more!

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