Round 15: Albion v Bishops Stortford
By A Horse Called Doris
January 3 2026
Christmas is done, the Fat Man has gone, but who ate all the mince pies. Perhaps we will find out as we kick off 2026 with a visit to Brickfields by Bishops Stortford.
The New Year fixtures for Albion has been particularly prolific for Albion, winning 7 of the 9 played in in National One, curiously of the last 4, 3 have been at home against Stortford, all of which were wins. The fixture last year was close with Albion coming back from 14-21 down with a little help from the referee. In previous meetings between the sides, Albion have won the last 5 with Albion winning the reverse fixture this season 15-31.
The Blues started the season by losing 7 games on the trot after winning the first game. They now occupy 8th position after putting together a run of 5 wins before falling to Blackheath last time out. The run included a close away victory over Rosslyn Park and so must be considered a serious threat. Albion meanwhile will be looking to extend their own winning streak to 6, but more importantly, get back into their stride after the lengthy break.
To date, Albion have scored 77 tries (5.5 per game) to the Blues 56 (4.0 per game) with Albion (comparatively) starting games slowly and escalating in the second half. The Blues tend to start the match better, but fade in the third quarter, picking up again in the 4th as fresh legs are applied. More significantly The Blues have conceded 73 tries (3rd worst) most of which were shipped in the second half.
Amongst the forwards, the try scoring figures are very similar to Albion's except for the No 8 position, from which the Blues have yet to score. A similar picture exists for the tries conceded but with the 8 again being the weak point. The Backs show a threat from the scrum half and vulnerability through the centres and wings, although they have taken steps to bolster these areas. row and flankers have contributed similar numbers, but little has come from the No 8. The backs show and are not too shabby in the second row.
The Blues will require lineouts to build platforms for their offence, utilising driving mauls and pick and go tactics. Similarly, new found strengths amongst the will encourage them probe Albion's defensive line, with the centres being the main threat. Albion will also need to neutralise the winger, Jake Morris who has 13 tries this season. Albion will want to maintain possession with the goal of frustrating their opposition. They should be able to dominate the scrums and offer a strong offensive back line but will need to keep discipline to stay on the right side of the referee and avoid giving away penalties and subsequent opportunities for the Blues to play the game they want.
Players to watch
Two players who seem to have turned around the Blues Fortunes: Lock Hamish Ferguson who has bagged two tries worked his way back into the squad with his first appearance of the season coinciding with the start of their winning streak; and Centre Thomas Hitchcock, 3 tries in 6 games, again appearing at the start of the winning streak. Whilst not playing previously during the current season, Thomas a former youth player with the Blues has had spells at the Chiefs and London Irish although often farmed out to Championship sides, culminating with a season at Coventry.
Referee: RFU site does not identify who will bee refereeing the match (this information has become much rarer these days), but with Albion on 7 cards and the Blues on 9 suggests someone might go.
Weather (Updated 09/01): The Forecast indicates a north-westerly light to moderate breeze blowing the length of the pitch towards the StormForce marquee, and whilst milder than the week gone it will remain chilly. Sunny intervals will precede the game and will clear a little before sunset.
Prediction: A win for Albion, but a resurgent Stortford could cause problems.
Other games of note:
Rams (6th) v Sale (5th) - Sale look the stronger side, but Rams will be hoping the break will have given them a good rest before they and get their season back to winning consistently.
Birmingham Moseley (10th) v Rosslyn Park (4th) - League positions do not reflect current form, although Mose's recent wins have come against bottom of the league sides. Injury ravaged Park will be looking to turn around the form of 4 losses from 5.
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My body is a temple - I desecrate it every day
My body is a temple - I desecrate it every day
How can you run out of bitter before the game and run out of all beers shortly after the game finished. I am talking about the Supporters Bar. Not the fault of the bar staff who were most apologetic and embarrassed by it.
A lot of people bought their tickets late - how much more in comparison to other games, I don't know, but it makes it difficult to plan if extraordinary numbers are involved. Add to that Guinness playing silly games with deliveries making last minute supply difficult.
Priority would have been to maintain supply to the Stormforce Marquee, as this is where the sponsors (aka money) is stationed, and this may have had a knock on effect of where the 'Third Half' was held.
Main issue therefore for me was lack of communication for the change of venue for the 'Third Half'. 2nd issue the club could have provided an official explanation of the issues involved and apology for the 'change of plan', rather than leave supporters in the dark.
My body is a temple - I desecrate it every day