By A Horse Called Doris
April 7 2026

After an extended break we move into the final stage of the regular season and welcome Sedgley Park to Brickfields. A late kick off is set for 4 pm due to a couple of local teams playing kickabout up the road.

With three games remaining, Albion need to take maximum points from all and hope that Rotherham and Blackheath slip up. To begin, ALbion take on 13th placed Sedgley Park who are embroiled in a tight battle for survival Table positions where 4 teams separated by 3 points are fighting with one safe place available. The Tigers find themselves at the bottom of this group and with the toughest of run-ins.

Since their return to ND1, there have been 5 matches between the sides, 4 of which have been high scoring affairs. The Tigers have won 2, both at home, while Albion won the reverse fixture last December 26-50 which was a close run thing until Albion scored 21 unanswered points in the final quarter and Tigers played the last 10 minutes without the high scoring Rhys Henderson.

Currently, the Tigers are experiencing a desertion of form having lost 6 in a row and only winning 2 in the last 13. This was after a promising start where they secured 6 wins from the first 10 games, peaking to 7th place.

On paper, Albion are dominant across the board an have scored nearly twice as many tries as the Tigers whilst conceding a third less. This is not to say that Tigers do not offer any threat as they have shown some potency amongst the forwards, particularly on set plays. Meanwhile the outside players amongst the backs have prospered on occasions, yet overall their tally to date of 68 is the lowest in the league.

Notably, The Tigers have operated with the smallest roster in the league - 35 players featuring to date. This appears to be reflected in their 4th quarter results shipping over a third of the points against them during this period, suggesting that their replacements do not provide the impact that other sides enjoy.

High kicks and place kicks could be challenging with the gusty weather making an impact. Albion need to play an 80 minute game at high intensity, if only to put their woes of the previous game behind them and send a statement to their rivals.

The referee assigned is Callum Watson. Mr Watson has issued 27 cards over 16 matches in NL1 this season, which is a little on the high side. He has previously officiated Albion on two occasions, the first at Brickfields where sent three Clifton Players to the bin, and again at Tonbridge, with one of the hosts dispatched off-field. Mr Watson also officiate two games featuring the Tigers, both of which were against Dings, sending off one of the home players in each match. To date, the Tigers have collected 22 card this season (2nd most) whilst Albion have 12 (2nd least). This may be an issue for the Tigers, but Albion need to wary and remain in the referee's good books.

Player to watch: Connor James - Started every match this season and replaced once plus a 10 minute rest courtesy of the very same Mr Watson . The second row has scored only one try this season but plays an influential role amongst the forwards.io

Weather Forecast (as at 10 April): After overnight rain, we can expect cloud and sunny spells, this may become showery for the later stages of the match. Cool with a South Westerly moderate breeze with gale force gusts will blow across the pitch.

Prediction: Comfortable win for Albion.

Other games of note:

Rotherham Titans (1st) v Rams (6th} - Should go Titans way with Rams suffering a lack of form since the opening stages of the season.

Blackheath (3rd) v Sale FC (4th} - Sale who have to play all of the top three are will see themselves as potential king makers whilst still harbouring ambitions of their own. Blackheath need the win to maintain pressure on Albion for 2nd and potentially 1st if the Titans slip up.

Birmingham Moseley (10th) v Leeds Tykes (9th} - Whilst unable to leapfrog the Tykes, Mose will be looking to strengthen there position above the playoff spot.

Dings Crusaders (12th) v Bishops Stortford (7th} - The Blues recent form has been impressive, winning their last 6 matches. But home advantage and Dings seeing a slight improvement in their own form gives them a slim chance of improving their own survival prospects.

Tonbridge Juddians (8th) v Clifton (11th} - The Lavender and Blacks have an excellent opportunity to win against out of form TJs who have won only one of their last 6 outings.

Round 24: Albion v Sedgley Park

Discussion started by Unofficial Plymouth Albion (IP Logged), 07/04/2026 11:55

Unofficial Plymouth Albion
07/04/2026 11:55

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