Round 20 - Albion v Rams
By Dark Prophet
March 9 2023
It's the St Luke's Hospice Men's Day Out Event this Saturday which promises a large crowd to witness what may well be a difficult day for Alion as they welcome league leaders Rams to Brickfields this Saturday.
Rams have won all but 2 games this season and gaining the TPB in every game bar one. Their defeats came against Sale and Cinderford back in December.
In the reverse fixture Albion had taken the lead just after half time, only to lose out in the final 20 minutes after collecting a Yellow and Red Card allowing Rams scored 3 tries to win 26-14.
A bad omen for Albion is that they have never beaten Rams since the leagues formed, although this is restricted to the three seasons after they were promoted from National 2 North.
Having lost in their last two outings, it is difficult to see Albion overcoming their opposition. That is not to say that Rams don't have any weaknesses, as it seems that they are vulnerable to try-line assaults. They also tend fade in the second half, scoring less and conceding more tries, but this may be more about taking the foot off the gas once the game is safe.
Their main threat comes from the back line, with over half their tries coming from anywhere outside of the fly-half. To counter this Albion will need to prevent them from playing an open game. Keep the ball within the pack, and disrupt their game as much as possible. Failing that a resolute defence will be required.
Top try scorer at Rams is winger Jak Rossiter on 18 with the Hooker, Max Hayman close behind on 15.
The Referee for the day should be Mr Daniel Rowlands, one of the more lenient referees for this league issuing about 1.5 cards a game, although he did dole out the two aforementioned cards in Albion's previous meeting against Rams. Sir has also officiated 4 other Albion games this season of which Albion have only won 1, against Hull.
Weather - Rain with a moderate breeze. A bit chilly.
Prediction - Albion loss but with the support of the crowd may be able to make it close.
Other games of note: Taunton v Darlington - Home advantage for Taunton and a chance to lift themselves out of the relegation zone as Esher host Chinnor.
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Looking forward to see how we compare to the leagues best.
Not a perfect game from Albion but they were resolute in defence when it mattered.
Had figured on about 5 minutes of extra time and the rest was through Rams keeping it alive (or Albion giving away penalties).
My body is a temple - I desecrate it every day
