Round 21: Albion v Blackheath
By A Horse Called Doris
February 26 2026
Albion's run of 11 wins will be put to the test this weekend as they entertain 3rd placed Blackheath for a crucial game for Albion's in Albion's campaign for promotion.
Blackheath are currently building their own winning run having secured 4 victories on the trot, although they have only beaten 3 of the other top 5 teams this season, with the exception being the reverse fixture where they came out 40-28 on top.
Meanwhile Albion will not only want to maintain the pressure on Rotherham, but Blackheath have the last opportunity for an opposing team to do the 'double' over Albion. Realistically, Albion could afford to drop a point, but need the win.
Reflecting the relative positions, Blackheath have scored 101 tries to Albion's 110, but conceded 3 fewer at 57. They are heavily reliant on their pack, but more specifically their hooker, William Harding, who has scored 37 tries this season, well over half of the pack's tally. Their pack also does a good job at defending. The weaknesses are amongst the backs with potential gaps beyond the fly-half position.
We can expect Blackheath to seek out penalties in order to utilise catch and drive tactics at every opportunity, very rarely opting to kick for goal. To counter this Albion will need to keep their discipline and run the ball wide to apply pressure of their own. Could see some high balls from Albion to test Blackheath's backs. Furthermore, the scoring pattern suggests that Blackheath are adept at analysing their opponents tactics and adjust well at the break.
The referee will be George Ounsley. He has officiated for 5 games involving Blackheath, all of which went Blackheath's way. Curiously, this also includes the Blackheath v Albion fixture where he awarded 3 cards to Albion (Jack Oulton, Archie Hill & Craig Duncan). A second match involving Albion was at Leicester, an away win for Albion, but another card, this time for Harry Legg. Card count: Albion 9, Blackheath 16 (including 2 red - both downgraded). Referee's average 1.33 per game.
Player to watch - William Harding - but more specifically the lineouts and consequences thereof.
Weather: Sunny intervals but may cloud over completely towards the end of the match. A gentle to fresh South-westerly breeze will blow across the pitch. A little bit on the chilly side at 11°.
Prediction: A win for Albion - if they keep their heads.
Other games of note:
Rotherham Titans (1st) v Birmingham Moseley (11th} - Should be a win for the Titans
Clifton (13th) v Leicester Lions (14th} - Barring a miracle, the Lions have almost run out of games to escape the drop. Clifton will be looking to get themselves a fighting chance to escape.
Leeds Tykes (9th) v Rosslyn Park (5th} - 10 points off 3rd, and a game in hand, Park need a 5 pointer to gain ground on Blackheath in the second playoff position..
Sale FC (4th) v Dings Crusaders (12th} - A difficult game for Dings to improve their outlook.
Sedgley Park (10th) v Tonbridge Juddians (7th} - The Tigers have a difficult, but not impossible chance to pull away from the relegation threat.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.
Blackheath have beaten us twice, and look favourites to do it a third time this season.
My body is a temple - I desecrate it every day
