By Dark Prophet
March 19 2026

It's the fixture of the season, with Albion on the road to Rotherham for the game that will likely determine who will take the NL1 Title.

Last weekend's results closed up the top three, With 1 point separating the top sides and third placed Blackheath a further 4 points behind, the winner will be in a strong position with 3 games to play. The loser, meanwhile, could see themselves losing second place to Blackheath. Note that all three have to play fourth placed Sale who will want to close the gap to a promotion spot.

Both teams have scored 122 tries this season and the Titans have conceded one try fewer at 69. The Titans backs would appear to have the upper hand having scored two thirds of their tries, whilst conceding half. Albion appear to have a stronger pack, outscoring the Titans 3:2, whilst conceding similar numbers.

Throughout the game, The Titans have shown consistency, with a slight letting up in the 3rd quarter. Albion tend to show a slow start, but peaking in the 2nd quarter, before settling back to an 'average' level.

Consequently, we will probably see an open game from the Titans, utilising pace and agility amongst the backs. Albion though will want to play a completely different game from the usual fare. Due to the way the fixtures are set up, the coaches of Rotherham, in preparation for their own games, will have seen many of Albion's as their opponents would have been drawn against Albion in the previous round. As with the reverse fixture at Fixture, which Albion won 22-21, Albion will need to come out with an unexpected game plan.

Whatever tactics Albion play they must restrict the opportunities presented to Rotherham and present a sturdy and disciplined defence.

The Referee is scheduled to be Ben Simpson, mid table on the card front with 1.5 per game, but recent games has been more prolific particularly to the away side. Of the 14 games he has officiated in NL1 this season, two of those games have featured Rotherham, and two (the most recent) with Albion.

Player to watch: Jackson Barling, the Aussie right winger has 19 tries this season. This is his first season in NL1 having previously played for Western Bullfrogs.

Weather: The fine weather will extend into the weekend with sunshine forecast for Saturday. Temperatures picking up in the afternoon reaching 15° for the match. A light air will result in ripples on calm seas.

Prediction: The last six meetings between the sides have all been within 7 points, with Albion winning 5 of them. Rotherham have a strong side, which has remained largely unchanged throughout the season, home advantage, weather suited to their style of play and an insight into Albion tactics. Albion however have had to make a few changes to the side. Narrow win for Rotherham.

Other games of note:

Clifton (13th) v Dings Crusaders (11th} - A chance for the winner to escape the automatic relegation zone and an outside chance of elevation above the playoff spot.

Home advantage is with Clifton but Dings won't have to travel far and form is with Dings - but not much. Difficult to call.

Sale FC (4th) v Birmingham Moseley (10th} - A poor run of form has allowed Mose to slip back towards the relegation zones, whilst Sale are pushing to catch up with the top 3. Win for Sale.

Sedgley Park (12th) v Blackheath (3rd} - A likely win for Blackheath as the Tigers have struggled to maintain their place in NL1.

Leeds Tykes (9th) v Tonbridge Juddians (8th} - A mid table clash, with Leeds in danger of being drawn into the relegation battle. Leeds have the form to overcome Tonbridge.

Rams (6th) v Leicester Lions (14th} - Significant for it's insignificance, Rams are safe and going nowhere, The Lion's fate is sealed and will be playing in the fourth tier next season.

Round 23: Rotherham v Albion

Discussion started by Unofficial Plymouth Albion (IP Logged), 19/03/2026 17:19

Unofficial Plymouth Albion
19/03/2026 17:19

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lobina
21/03/2026 10:35

Good luck to the lads, the toughest game of the season I think.

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