By Happy Knees
November 2 2023

The World Cup is over and it is back to business as usual with a return to the domestic game as (weather permitting) Albion host Blackheath.

After a disappointing away result at Cinderford Albion will be keen to return to winning ways. This will mean taking on a resurgent Blackheath who have bounced back from a visit to the 4th tier last season and are currently lying in a respectable 6th. Their record to date consists of 4 wins and 3 losses although like Albion most of their games have been against teams in the lower half of the league.

Blackheath pose what could be the greatest test for Albion since the opening fixture of the season. They have a particularly potent back line who have scored three quarters of their 27 tries, whilst being quite resolute in defence although show a little vulnerability towards the wings.

Up front Blackheath are not so dominant having only mustered up 7 tries amongst the forwards, in comparison, Albion have scored 19 so we may see very different tactics applied by both sides, Albion looking to keep things tight amongst the forwards, whilst Blackheath will want to move it around. The weather and ground conditions will have a significant influence on the game.

If Albion are unable to control the game up front, then they will need a resolute defence to hold Blackheath at bay, particularly in the latter stages of each half. They will also need to be wary of giving away penalties within kickable range as Blackheath won't be adverse to taking any points on offer.

Recent meetings between the sides have generally been close affairs with honours fairly even, although Albion did achieve a "double" in the 21/22 season.

Referee for the day is Adam Wookey who is averaging two yellow cards a game this season. Albion last encountered Mr Wookey almost a year ago when he officiated in the Match against Rosslyn Park (which Albion won 13-10).

Weather: Rain during the preceding night will add to what will no doubt be a fairly sodden pitch. Sunny spells will bless the morning, but these will diminish as the threat of further rain increases throughout the afternoon. By the time the game is scheduled to start the wind will have died back to a moderate breeze with strong gusts. Blowing across the pitch from the SW, this could be a challenge for the kickers.

Prediction: A comfortable win but the scoreline may be tempered by the weather conditions.

Round 8 - Albion v Blackheath

Discussion started by Unofficial Plymouth Albion (IP Logged), 02/11/2023 21:02

Unofficial Plymouth Albion
02/11/2023 21:02

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lobina
04/11/2023 13:57

Proper rugby weather, much prefer it to blazing sunshine.

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lobina
06/11/2023 11:37

A good game. well done the lads.

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