Round 17: Albion v Rosslyn Park

We welcome former front runners Rosslyn Park as the next visitors to The Brickfields.

5th placed Park led the league for the early stages of the season winning 8 of the 9 opening fixtures including the 29-14 defeat of Albion. Injuries then caught up with them for the rest of 2025 resulting in 1 win out of 5. The New year has gotten off to a good start with a win over Blackheath as players start to make returns.

Albion, with seven straight wins to their credit, may find it difficult to extend this to eight, as Park can be considered their bogey team, having beaten Albion twice amongst their last 5 visits to Plymouth and a string of 4 wins and a draw in the reverse fixtures.

Park are averaging 5.25 tries scored per game against Albion with 5.5 with those conceded level at 3, although Park have had the benefit of 9 home games so far this season, against Albion's 7.

Between the packs, Albion appear stronger but Park have demonstrated an ability to defend that area of the game and we can expect them to move it out to the back line where they appear much more potent, particularly among the back 3. Park's backline are also effectively defensively so although they have a quite effective pack, Albion may seek to dominate up front and grind out a result. Possibly another match where any points on offer need to be taken.

This season has seen Park accumulate 12 cards compared with Albion's 8. This may be significant to the Referee Ben Simpson who has shown 12 yellows and 2 reds this season.

Players to watch: The hooker, Charles Piper, may play a key role in Park's fortunes within the pack. Returned to the squad last time out after 4 games absent. Also at outside centre is Thomas Stanton, also returned last time out after 6 games out and may be the linchpin amongst the backs.

Weather: (Updated 24/01 6am - significantly improved from less than 24 hours earlier!) Heavy rain gives way to showers and sunny intervals later in the morning, but may return for the latter stages of the match. Moderate to strong breeze across the pitch from the Southwest. Still chilly given the rain and the wind.

Prediction: A relatively low scoring game with weather conditions favouring the packs, suiting Albion. 4 point win for Albion, with help from the home crowd.

Other games of note:
Two inconsistent sides meet in the form of Birmingham Moseley and Tonbridge Juddians. Result should go to TJ, but Mose need the result to clear the Relegation Zone.

Also Sedgley Park, having slipped into the relegation zone last weekend, will be facing Bishop's Stortford who have seen their form evaporate after encountering Blackheath prior to the Xmas break.