Round 10: Richmond v Albion

It is back on the road again for Albion for their visit to Richmond for their first game as league leaders.

Having spent a couple of seasons in the Championship, Richmond got off to a poor start losing their first 2 fixtures. A purple patch of 4 wins out of 5 games then followed, but they seem to have lost their way again, losing their latest fixtures.

Richmond are averaging just under 4 tries per game, while Albion are scoring over 4½, but like Albion, they have scored the majority through the forwards with their Hooker, Alexander Post, bagging 5. The backs have been less productive, whilst yielding a greater proportion of tries. This suggests an interesting battle up front could be in store, and whilst Albion should win this match up, playing a more expansive game may be more beneficial.

Historically, the 3 games between the sides have been high scoring, close affairs with Albion coming out top on each of them - the two away games were by a single point. In the latest meeting in 2019, the game was settled by a late try by Josh Skelcey. This time round Albion appear to be a much stonger side in comparison.

The referee for the game will be Alan Chandrachud, who last officiated for Albion's visit to Cinderford - perhaps not the best omen. He seems quite lenient having only shown one card in four matches.

Weather: Overcast following a wet start to the day, A moderate to strong breeze will blow across the pitch from the stand side. Temperatures will be relatively mild.

Prediction a comfortable win for Albion, provided they maintain discpline and don't become complacent.

Other games to note: Both Rams and Chinnor have relatively comfortable games ahead of them against Cinderford and Bishops Stortford respectively. Rams, however, will be looking to bring an end to a three game losing streak.

Meanwhile there are a couple of mid-table matchups with 5th placed Birmingham Moseley taking on Blackheath in 6th and 7th Placed Rosslyn Park entertaining Darlington MP who lie 8th.