Round 19 - Albion v Tonbridge Juddians

After the short break, Albion return to Brickfields to take on Tonbridge Juddians.

Following the catch-up games last weekend Albion have yielded the top spot back to Rotherham, but will still expect to keep up the pressure and extend the winning run to 10, as they entertain the TJs who despite a very inconsistent season to date, lie in 7th. Amongst their 8 wins, they claimed the scalp of Albion in the reverse fixture by a score of 35-25 with two converted tries in the latter stages of the game.

Following the visit to Dings, Albion have surpassed the 100 try mark, giving them an average of 5.7 per game. This compares favourably against the TJs who are averaging 4.2 per game. Whilst Albion's tries have been shared 50/50 between the forwards and backs, the TJs favour going to the backs for two-thirds of their tries, particular through the scrum half and wing channels. Defensively the TJs appear to show vulnerabilities amongst the backs allowing 60% of tries conceded. However, the Albion forwards should still find their efforts rewarded. The TJs are most threatening either side of half time, starting games relatively slowly and fading towards the end.

Both sides have 8 yellow cards, and whilst the TJs also collected a red this was dismissed by the RFU Disciplinary Panel.

Albion will need to be clinical, and control the game. As ever, discipline needs to be maintained.

Player to watch: The scrum-half, Connor Lloyd. Certainly a player Albion need to contain as he has scored 9 tries this season, including a hat-trick against Birmingham Mosely.

Weather: Sunshine in the morning will give way to overcast conditions by Kick-off, but should stay dry throughout, however it will be cold, with a light to moderate SW breeze blowing across the pitch.

Prediction: Comfortable win for Albion.

Other games of note:
Sedgley Park (9th) v Rosslyn Park (5th} - With all the teams below the Tigers having much stronger opposition, they have an opportunity to move further away from the relegation places with a visit from out of form, Park.

For the promotion contenders, games likely to go in favour

Rotherham Titans (1st) v Dings Crusaders (12th} - Titans back on top having 'caught up' on the postponed fixture against Clifton. Can't see this being anything but a chance for the Titans to improve their points difference.
Blackheath (3rd) v Birmingham Moseley (10th} - Inconsistent Blackheath looking to secure their third win in a row, whilst Mose have started to put a few results in of their own. If Mose can contain a certain Mr Harding, they will have a chance to register an upset.
Sale FC (4th) v Leicester Lions (14th} - A difficult day for the Lions ahead.