Round 23: Albion v Rosslyn Park

Albion return to Brickfields to welcome Rosslyn Park in the battle for 3rd place.

Albion will be licking their wounds somewhat after a nightmare trip to the capital last week. This weekend they face Rosslyn Park who lie in 3rd place, 6 points ahead of Albion.

The reverse fixture was a tight game with RP holding on for a 33-29 victory, and in previous seasons matches have generally been close, high scoring games, particularly recently.

This fixture marks the last of the four against top of the table teams, with Albion only faltering against Richmond last week bringing an end to the 10 match winning run. Rosslyn Park are building their own run of wins, currently on 5, although these have been against middle to lower league teams.

Rosslyn Park have been prolific in scoring tries this season notching up 110 so far scoring six or more on 10 occasions and averaging 5 per game, with the highest (9) coming against Ding's Crusaders. This puts them top of the tables for tries and game points scored. Their kicking for points isn't as impressive converting 71% of tries and scoring only nine penalties. Defensively they are mid table, very close to Albion.

Rosslyn Park come out very strong for the first half and taper off throughout the second. They have a strong front row with further threats among the back line. Albion's task will be to stop Rosslyn Park from playing the game they want, which appears to be a high risk, high reward approach. Albion will do well to contain the game in the opposition half whilst keeping the penalty count down.

The referee for the day should be Henry Pearson who officiated the Rams v Albion fixture at the beginning of the month. He stands about midway on the carding table with about 1.5 per game.

This fixture should record the highest attendance this season with Albion hosting of the St Luke's Men's Day Out event. The number to keep in mind is 1,829, who attended the Rams v Richmond fixture in December.

Weather: Overcast with a risk of rain but brightening as the game progresses. A gentle breeze will blow from the direction of the club house. Temperatures on the cool side.

Prediction: Could be a difficult day for ALbion. Another high scoring day with Rosslyn Park edging it.

Other games of note

Leicester v Sale - Could be the crunch day for Leicester as loss will almost certainly send them down. Esher could also face relegation if they lose and other games don't go their way.