Round 5 - Rosslyn Park v Albion

This week Albion travel to the Capital to take on Rosslyn Park at Priory Lane in what could be a season defining game.

Like Albion, Park are unbeaten having achieved maximum points from their opening 4 fixtures. It could be argued that Albion have had a slightly easier opening campaign, but either way both sides will be looking to keep their records going and stay with Rotherham who entertain Albion's latest victims, Leicester Lions.

Whilst Albion have shared their tries between forwards and backs, Park have relied significantly on their backs who have scored 18 of their 24 tries. Furthermore, 12 of them have from the wingers and full backs with Luke Mehson and Charlie Walker switching between the two positions being particularly potent.

Defensively, Albion have conceded 9 tries to Park's 11. Albion may have the slight advantage amongst the pack, having conceded a lesser proportion compared to the backs.

Although Albion pose a threat amongst the backs, a campaign based on the pack may be a preferred tactic. The backs can then focus on defending the strong offensive line possessed by Park. Park may also show signs of indiscipline having already accumulated 4 yellows this season (Albion nil), This will bring Albion's set plays to the fore and could be the deciding factor in the game.

Weather forecast - After overnight rain, conditions should improve with the promise of sunny intervals. More significantly a fresh breeze will very strong gusts will blow from the clubhouse end, easing a little as the game progresses.

Expect Albion to start quickly to get ahead of the game, especially if they have the wind at their backs for the first half. Park will pressure the back line and may look to putting the ball In the air allowing the wind to bring uncertainty to the fielding defender.

Forecast - a difficult game to call, but familiarity of the home field gives Park a slight advantage and Priory Lane has not been a happy hunting ground for Albion who haven't come back with a win since Jan 2016.

Player to watch - Luke Mehson, with 7 tries in the campaign the utility back shares the try scoring top spot with Blackheath's William Harding.

Other games of note: Bishop's Stortford v Sedgley Park. A win for the Tigers will likely result in a clear rift between the top 8 and the 6 clubs fighting to avoid relegation.