National League 1 - 2015-6 Wk 9

After a half term/RWC Final break, Albion travel to Henley-on-Thames (Oxfordshire, actually) this Saturday. (I have memories of a minibus driven by Frank Stormont in 2006 or 7(?) making the trip up to a well appointed little ground for an EDF Trophy fixture - and being suckered into a £5(!) programme purchase by a very glamorous Home Counties rugby bunny after a couple of beers.) Having strung two wins together, we should approach this game with a touch of reticence - the ever-variable Nat 1 form book seems to be emminently capable of surprising teams who focus too much on league standings.

Henley RFC (now under the Henley Hawks banner) was founded in 1930 under the snappy name of Old Henleiensians (the Old Boys of Henley Grammar School). Their most famous "old boy" is Sir Clive Woodward who arrived as 1st XV coach in 1990. He really kick-started things for them and by 1999 they were in this division. They've had a few ups and downs since, returning this season after promotion as champs of Nat 2 (S). They are three places below us; 11th in the table with one less win and three fewer BPs. They've been on the wrong end of a couple of tankings of late (Hartpury at home and Richmond away), but did achieve a very creditable 14 all draw at Ampthill late in September.

Albion will make the trip up to the Thames Valley bolstered by the return of the RN players, (hopefully) some returnees from injury and positive feedback from the development game at Taunton last week. As the season progesses, we must hope that further consolidation and consistency from the squad will engender confidence on the road. A good result on Saturday will be a vital part of that process and as ever, a sizeable and vocal contingent on the touchlines will only help the cause. Albi Travel are running a coach to what is our third closest away fixture, departing at 08.30. If you wish to put your shoulder to the wheel, contact Martin at: book@supporterstravel.co.uk

Here's the full fixture list:

Sat 07 Nov

Blaydon v Fylde   14:00   Crow Trees

Ampthill v Loughborough Students   14:15   Dillingham Park

Blackheath v Hartpury College   15:00   Rectory Field

Cinderford v Hull Ionians   15:00   Beavis Memorial Ground

Darlington Mowden Park v Richmond   15:00   Northern Echo Arena

Esher v Coventry   15:00   Molesey Road

Henley v Plymouth Albion   15:00   Dry Leas

Rosslyn Park v Wharfedale   15:00 The Rock

Henley factoid: Henley's ground is home to both Wasps A league side and Academy.