Match Report: Covenrty 26 - 19 PARFC (Nat 1)

By A Nomad
October 5 2015

Albion travelled to Coventry on the morning of the match, one of the draw backs of now being in Nat 1. Teams tend to need time to adjust to new surroundings and to overcome the effects of a lengthy coach journey. So it proved with Albion on Saturday in a very close and entertaining game between the two best supported teams in the league. (Although the official attendance of 1 168 did seem to be inflated somewhat...)

Albion were under pressure from Coventry right from the kickoff. The hosts dominated possession; within a few minutes they created a clear overlap for their left wing to dive over the line unopposed, with the conversion from out wide to follow; Coventry 7 - 0 PARFC. Albion slowly got into the game and were awarded a penalty, but Tom Putt’s attempt was wide. Not long after Albion lost possession and play switched into their half. The referee penalised Albion for holding on and this was to become a common occurrence through out the game. Another good kick saw Coventry increase their lead to 10 points, and then followed another penalty, again successfully taken so Albion were now 13 points adrift. (Does all this seem familiar?)

However, the tide had changed and we were enjoying more possession and territory. A good attack saw Coventry penalised inside their 10 metre line and in the centre of the pitch. The travelling faithfully expected an attempt at goal to start the score board ticking over in our favour, but Albion went for the corner on the left wing. A brave decision; but as it transpired, the correct one. From the line out Albion drove towards the line only to be stopped by an infringement as a result of which a Coventry lock was left sitting on the naughty stool for 10 minutes. With the big man off the pitch, Albion wisely opted for a scrum. They pushed Coventry back and Herbie Stupple was able to pick the ball up and cross the line close to the post. The now frequent chant, “Herbie, Herbie” resounded around the Butts Park Arena; Coventry 13 - 7 PARFC.

The score did not stay like that for long; the visitors being penalised for offside and another successful kick took the home tally to 16. Albion seemed to fall foul of the referee on several occasions and as the half ended a promising attack was halted for an alleged forward pass. After this troubled start Albion were right back in the game. Each week sees an improvement in one area of their play. In this match, the forwards excelled in the line out with the ball finding its target unerringly on every occasion. Also in the scrums they held their own. The penalty count was high, but these tended to be in open play - frequently for holding on and sometimes for offside. So at half time there was much to look forward to; Coventry 16 - 7 PARFC.

The start of the second half saw Albion attack down the right wing and eventually Ethan Ford went over in the corner for Albion’s second try. Putt was unable to collect the extras; Coventry 16 - 12 PARFC. Some time later, Albion were again caught offside in their own half and Coventry successfully added the points so the difference was now a full seven points. Like many a good side, Albion responded right from the restart. Coventry were under pressure just outside their 22 when Nile Dacres was able to cross the line and Putt to add the extras this time to level the game at 19 apiece. As time was running out, there was end to end action from both teams. Albion broke away and a kick and chase ensued with the Coventry full back gathering the ball inside his 5 metre line. He was able to avoid the oncoming chaser and made 60 metres or more putting pressure back on Albion.

This proved to be a crucial point of the game as Albion defended desperately, but yet again infringed. Coventry hit a post with the resulting penalty kick - their only failure of the afternoon. Albion had an opportunity to clear the ball, but then knocked on in front of their posts. From the resulting scrum, a Coventry back row move found a gap in Albion’s defence and it was like the parting of the Red Sea as the scorer crossed completely unopposed. Albion defenders seemed to have frozen and the referee stopped the clock to consult his assistant. We discovered later that Albion were convinced that the score was the result of a forward pass. However, a try was duly awarded and converted, restoring Coventry’s lead. In the closing few minutes, Albion tried their hardest to score their 4th try, but again were penalised for holding on and thus lost a deserved draw, taken away by a doubtful call from a touch judge. Final score; Coventry 26 - 19 PARFC.

Once more, this was an improved performance - especially from the forwards. Previous failings are obviously being addressed and it is some time since Albion outscored their opponents on the try count. This result sees us slip down to 12th place in the league, but don’t despair - the team is developing and the next issue to be addressed is surely avoiding penalties at the rucks. We really need to reduce the penalty count as it cost us dearly in this game. Next week sees our old Championship foe Esher (who scored six tries in a high scoring match against Richmond) returning to the Brickfields - it promises to be a very entertaining afternoon.

Match Report: Covenrty 26 - 19 PARFC (Nat 1)

Posted by: Unofficial Plymouth Albion (IP Logged)

Date: 05/10/2015 21:52

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