By Frank Stormont
May 2 2006

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Saturday May 6 2006

Premiership 2

Albion Ladies v Rosslyn Park Ladies

 

Top pitch, The Brickfields, 2.30 pm kick off

 

Albion Ladies play their final match of the season on Saturday when they host Rosslyn Park Ladies in a Premiership 2 match on the top pitch at The Brickfields this Saturday (kick off 2.30pm ).

The Ladies side normally play their games on a Sunday but had originally arranged to play this game on the main pitch immediately after the Devon county championship game.

Unfortunately Park have subsequently decided that this would not fit in with their revised travelling arrangements so the match will be played on the relative backwater of the second team pitch rather than in front of a good crowd on the main pitch – a real showpiece chance lost.

“It’s a shame because it was all arranged and was a great opportunity for the side to play their rugby in front of a much wider audience than normal, but it’s just one of those things,” says Albion Ladies Head Coach Tony Boyle.

The game will also give Albion a chance a chance of revenge over Park who beat them 20-8 in the away league match last October.

Although both sides sit comfortably mid-table with nothing to play for, nevertheless Boyle says his side will still be out to win.

“A win is a win and will give us confidence as we go into the close season,” says Boyle.

It will also be interesting to see what if any lessons Albion have learned from their 58-0 National Cup semi final defeat at home to Premiership 1 Worcester last week.

The Ladies side have acquitted themselves very well in their first season in the second highest level in women's rugby and maybe the Worcester game has shown them how far they have to go and given them the determination to get there.

Albion have always had a decent-sized squad and since they will be missing their Royal Navy contingent who are taking part in the Inter Services championships, this match will give some of the fringe players the chance to show they too can play in the first team.

“Whatever side we put out, we will be going for the win,” added Boyle.

As always to Albion Ladies games, admission is free and any body is welcome to come and give their support and if previous matches are anything to go by, there will be plenty of running rugby to watch.

 

 

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