By Frank Stormont
September 28 2006

Albion take on top of the table Clifton Sunday 2:30  

Plymouth Albion ladies take on top of the table Clifton

The beginning of the season has been a bit of a roller coaster ride for Plymouth Albion Ladies. Going up to Waterloo was a nervous head coach, Tristan Foster's, for his first game in charge. The team was nervous too as it was their first game.  The ladies got a 'fair' result and then they came back to Plymouth and there were some lows after losing to Wasps a side that were very talented. In the same game they had them for the first half. Then last weekend a try scoring bonus point after running 7 tries was a great achievement.

This weekend we host top of the league Clifton who had a fantastic win last Sunday against Wasps 74 - 10. This was the first defeat for Wasps II, it could be that they did not have the same players available for selection.

Clifton is going to be a big challenge. To have them early in the season coming to Brickfields when the ladies are beginning to make their name for themselves both inside and outside the club is really important. A spectator that turned up last Sunday to watch the Westcountry Warriors take on Redruth unaware that the match had been moved decided to stay and watch the ladies, I hope he enjoyed the match half as much as I did!

Of the two matches played at home they got the bonus point against Rosslyn Park, and against Wasps the first 30 minutes were the best rugby played this year running in two tries to none.  Both matches have seen good attendances of around 100 spectators.

There are a few players who picked up injuries that will require late fitness tests to see if they will be fit for Sunday. Two other players are unavailable for selections due to work and family commitments but with a strong squad of 40 this will give the opportunity for others to start.

Three new signings brings the squad up to 40.  Livy Thomas, who played some games for Clifton last season while at Marjons. Livy has made it very very clear that she aims to pull on a first team shirt on a regular basis.  Jenny March joins from the Bath area, Jenny has represented England at student level in the back row. Sarah Parkin who has moved in to the area to take up a teaching vacancy.

Tristan Foster said "I think we can really compete with Clifton on a level that maybe some of the other teams in the league can't.  We have worked massively on training this week and how we will cope with the different threats the Clifton team will bring to Brickfields. I am loving every minute of my new role and long may it continue."  Tristan took on the role of head coach during the summer after working as assistant to Tony Boyle last season.

The match on Sunday at 2:30 should be on the main pitch provided the part that has been moved holds up well to the men playing Coventry.  The sports bar will be open for refreshments before and after the match.