Stocking Filler

Probably not - but an enforced, albeit welcome, three week break over the festive period necessitates the need for story to fill the gap.

Just over half the season gone and the unexpected loss to Taunton leaves Albion in third spot, a little adrift of the leaders and at risk over losing the place to Sedgley when they fulfill their fixture against Blackheath.

Having got over the initial defeat against Rosslyn Park at the start of the season, a run of 5 wins produced a good start to the season. Since then away form has deserted Albion with one win out of 5. The 100% home record has kept Albion in the mix and they did enjoy the briefest of spells at the top of the table.

2024 may prove to be a little bit more difficult with the departure of Sam Hill, Albion's top try scorer and earlier, Herbie Stupple, who although hadn't played this season would have had a strong presence in the squad. Harry's red card and subsequent 4 week (4 matches?) ban won't have helped the continuity.

The break will hopefully allow for a chance for some to recouperate and recover from injuries and a sequence of 6 upcoming fixtures against 'lower' opposition should help bolster the position and improve confidence at away fixtures, before we take on the current leaders Chinnor at The Brickfields at the start of March. Some difficult fixtures towards the end of the season may be influencial in deciding the outcome of the league even if not for the benefit of Albion.

Whilst a fairly entertaining season to date, offering a glimpse of what may be, some might say that we are not ready for life in the Championship (or whatever they decide to call Level 2 in the future), Topping the league is still a possibility, but given recent form not likely. There should be an improvement on last year's 5th place.

And what do you think Santa should have left Albion?