Round 9 - Albion v Darlington Mowden Park

Following last week's defeat at Bishop's Stortford Albion have another chance to prove their mid-table credentials as they take on 8th placed Darlington Mowden Park at the Brickfields.

Just 3 points ahead of DMP, Albion do have an opportunity to get back to winning ways as DMP only halted a losing streak of 5 games with a victory against Leeds. Also their other two wins in their opening fixtures were against Chinnor and Hull.

Statisticswise Albion and DMP are evenly matched, with Albion edging it in terms of tries scored. Also, whilst Albion still have one the best disciplinary records with just 4 yellow cards, Darlington have amassed 8, 2 of which have been reds. We should expect to see some more cards from the Andrew Wigley who is one of the more punitive officials of Nat 1. The threat from Darlington comes from the centre/winger Morgan Passman, currently top tryscorer in the league (with Rams Zak Rossiter) with 10.

For the game, Albion need to keep their temperment keep the right side of the referee and try and frustrate DMP into giving away penalties particularly amongst the forwards. Meanwhile the backs will need to neutralise the threat of Mr Passman.

Weather forecast, wet and windy conditions up to kickoff time will give way to a dryer an calmer conditions for the game.

Prediction - Albion to win, should be comfortably, but DMP have the potential to cause problems.