Albion make bold statement in dominant performance

On arriving at the ground, I went into the clubhouse where there were a many supporters from Aberavon as there were from Plymouth at 18-45, however this did get a little better getting closer to kick off time and I'm led to believe a very disappointing 842 people attended last night's fixture.

On to the game, Albion made a very quick and promising start and should have been rewarded with an early score, however Referee Liperini Matteo, said Paul Rowley was held up over the line, this didn't deter Albion in any shape or form and after 6 minutes Albion got there first try courtesy of Aaron Carpenter diving over Paul Roberts missed the conversion 5-0 to Albion.

It was apparent from the start Albion were not going to give Aberavon a look in, and kept up a good intensity to their play throughout the game, and it was to no surprise after more good handling by Albion Aaron Carpenter went over the whitewash by the posts to record an early brace of tries, this time Roberts converts to take Plymouth into a 12-0 lead with as many minutes as that gone on the clock.

From the restart, Albion messed up the ball and gave Aberavon their first visit into Albion territory from which after a scrum the ball squirted out and fell to the Aberavon no 8 who drew Lewis Waner before offloading to Nathan Jones (scrum half) who tried desperately to dive over in the corner, however in trying to do so landed his foot in touch. this was confirmed by the touch-judge to Aberavon's consternation. this was a wake up call for Plymouth and served warning of an errors made would be capitalised on by the Welsh Wizards

On 18 minutes after another good break by the impressive Tom Bowen, he released Keni Fisilau who also made a lot of ground before setting up Rhodri McAtee to stroll over the line by the posts again, Paul Roberts again adding the conversion 19-0.

With the pressure every growing on the Welshmen's faces and not being able to get a foothold in the game, Prop Chris Jones was sin-binned for pulling down a lineout on 20 minutes adding fiurther pressure to an already well stretched Welsh side.

It would have to be said we were playing a semi- professional side who had made seven changes from the side that played at Talbot Athletic ground the week before, and gave Albion a real game and a need to focus on winning the return fixture.

This was also the case for Albion who also made the same amount of changes to the side, however, in my opinion strengthened the side, this has given the coaches and Nat a real headache who to pick from for the eagerly awaited game on Boxing day against the Cornish Pirates, for me, Sam Matavesi is now making a statement for a starting place at 7, Tom Bowen looking really sharp and eager to regain his place in the starting xv.

Albion were now totally imperious and after a splendid reverse pass by Paul Roberts, this set up Lewis Warner to dive over and increase Albion's lead to 26-0.

After the restart, and Aberavon venturing into Albion territory a welsh player was taken into touch after a strong challenge as the ball broke loose from a ruck, a touch- judge came and had a word with the referee and Jon Vickers for the second time at home was sin-binned on 31 minutes.

Albion's discipline will need to be spot on Boxing day, if there going to compete and try and record a home win against the Cornish Pirates. With a player down Plymouth remained in control and on 39 minutes after unselfish work by Lewis Warner, Toby Howley Berridge was able to cross and Paul Roberts converting taking the score to 33-0 at Half time.

Once again 6 minutes after the restart, after Roberts opted to kick his penalty to the corner, Albion got a great catch and drive going and finally the ever impressive Sam Matavesi got over the whitewash to record his second try against the Wizards after scoring in Wales the previous week. Paul Roberts converts to make it 40-0

It was good for the home supporters to check on their new addition at lock of Will Carrick-Smith who entered play with Aberavon trying to play rugby at the business end of the park, after a little spell of pressure it was Albion who added to the scoreline on the hour from a five metre scrum Paul rowley dived over in front of the posts for the seventh try, which was converted by Paul Roberts. 47-0.
After relentless defending it was no surprise to see Luean Davies set to the sin bin on 57 minutes for a professional foul.

With Welsh hopes in tatters Albion were finding gaps all over the park, and it was no surprise when after another poor restart, Albion ran the ball back after a good break by Sean Michael Stephens set up Paul Bailey who was making his comeback after a broken hand to run in and make it 52-0 Paul Roberts missed the conversion.

Changes were taking place by both teams all over the park, as conditions made it hard work to play free flowing rugby, and to avoid any unnecessary injuries, despite this Albion scored their Ninth try of the evening on 74 minutes, when Albion pushed Aberavon off the ball at another five metre scrum and Sean Michael Stephen went over to cross for 57-0 and with Paul Roberts off Ruairi Cushion converted to take the score to 59-0 and that was it, there was no time added to the delight of the welsh travelling support and the Wizards team.

In conclusion, A very good nights work by Albion scoring nine tries, and most of the squad got a run out, as for Aberavon with all their changes from the previous week I'm sure they will be delighted to return to the welsh Premiership and build on a tough season so far, for me, you don't see too many Welsh sides roll over without a fight, this side were toothless all night.

Hoping many home supporters will make Boxing day, and really get The Brickfields buzzing with Christmas cheer and song, and get behind the boys to secure a much needed Albion win over our rivals across the bridge.