Championship 13/14 - Round 18

Having (somewhat tortuously) overcome one set of blues last week in the shape of Nottingham's change strip, Albion set off on their travels this weekend with the aim of doing it all again. Remembering that Notts and Beds faced off in the play-off semis last year shows how much things have changed in the Championship over the months.

Two of the titans (No - not those Titans!) of recent years are serial misfirers this term. But back in November, Bedford managed to throw off that mantle for a week at least as we lost at home 16 - 27. The scoreline wasn't really the half of it - many supporters were so dismayed at the hosts' performance that they either left early or made their dissatisfaction felt in a most unsettling vocal fashion. Albion have broken the home duck in the intervening months and beaten the league leaders with some style, but they cannot afford to take this fixture lightly. Any thoughts of a pursuit of the Pirates depends on performing well against lower-placed teams - full stop.

With the benefit of a full eight days to recover, the minor knocks will at least have been sorted. One has to hope that some improvements to the set piece will have been achieved as well. Of late, the scrum has been fertile ground for opposition penalties and the lineout has failed to compete on all too many occasions. While contract renewals are putting a simile on some faces, it will be a chance for others to shine and cement a place in next year's squad. Certainly, 100% will be required from all to prevent Bedford pulling off the double.

In a weekend heavily influenced by the 6 Nations' schedule, here is the full fixture list:

Sat 08 Mar

Bedford Blues v Plymouth Albion 15:00 Goldington Road

Jersey v Leeds Carnegie 15:00 St Peter

Sun 09 Mar

London Welsh v Moseley 12:00 Old Deer Park

London Scottish v Ealing Trailfinders 12:30 Richmond Athletic Ground

Bristol Rugby v Cornish Pirates 13:00 Memorial Ground

Nottingham v Rotherham Titans 13:00 Meadow Lane