Round 22: Richmond v Albion
By A Horse Called Doris
March 14 2025
This week and Albion travel to what should be their toughest challenge of the season against league leaders, Richmond.
Whilst Richmond will be tough, they are not invincible and following their 13 game unbeaten run at the start of the season, they have lost two, against Rosslyn Park and Sale, and last week drew against Birmingham Moseley. They also have the added pressure of Rotherham within 5 points in 2nd.
Albion meanwhile are the team on form and will be looking to dent Richmond's promotion hopes whilst extending a winning run to 11. They will also want to turn around the loss earlier in the score where Richmond won 15-20 after a late try was controversially disallowed at the end of the game. Richmond also appear to be stronger in the latter portion of the first half, but this may be due to them easing off a little for the second half.
To date, Richmond have scored 93 tries (compared to Albion's 77) whilst conceding 59 (69). Of those that they have scored the majority have come from the backs. Despite this apparent attacking strength, the backs may also prove to be their weakness in defence particularly through their centres and out on the wing. This could result in a fast flowing game.
The referee should be Alan Chandrachud who, on average, issues just one card per game - one of the lowest. He has officiated two games featuring Richmond this season, both of which they won He also officiated the Rosslyn Park v Albion fixture, which Albion narrowly lost.
Player to watch - Alexander Schwarz, joint leading try scorer (9) for Richmond the scrum half will cause problems for Albion.
Weather: Sunny intervals will give way to clear skies. It will feel quite chilly as a moderate breeze with strong gusts comes in from exposed end of the pitch.
Prediction: Another one that could go either way, but probably an end to Albion's run.
Other games of note:
Rotherham v Sedgley Park - Should be a win for Rotherham after last week's loss to Albion. Will be looking to close the gap to Richmond if Albion do continue their run.
Rosslyn Park v Birmingham Moseley - Not an easy fixture for Park with Mose hitting good form of late. Albion could potentially take third spot off them.
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Still roll on Saturday and a chance to get back to winning ways.
Albion forced to eat the rest.
My body is a temple - I desecrate it every day
