Round 22: Albion v Rams

Albion are at home again for a challenging game against 6th placed Rams.

With a crowd bolstered by the Men's Day Out participants, Albion will be looking to jump back on the horse following the disappointing loss against Blackheath last month. Rams themselves will need a win to keep their own promotion hopes alive, but with one win in their last 4 games, this looks unlikely.

Scoring an average 4.5 tries per game, Rams have a potent pack, so Albion's lineouts will need to be much better than last time out. This is supported by a strong back line who have scored 51 of their 95 tries. Defensively they have conceded 3.7 tries per game with a slightly greater proportion being conceded by through the forwards. This could be a forward orientated game but with rewards for breaking the pattern and sending it along the line.

Rams tend to start slow and ramp up the pressure, so Albion will need to be on their toes throughout the game. They won't want to be in the position of chasing the game nor can they relax if the establish a 'comfortable' lead.

The referee for the game should be Sam Yates. With twelve games officiated in NL1 this season he has shown himself to be quite generous with the cards, averaging 1.8 per game (but much higher in the later part of the season). It will be his first time this season officiating Albion, but the second with Rams (v Leeds), when he sent the Utility player, Zachary Clow, to the bin.

Player to watch: Given Albion's penalty count last time out, their hooker, Max Hayman will be looking forward to building on his 18 tries for this campaign.

Weather: Sunny intervals all day, but the temperature on the side at 10°C. A gentle to fresh westerly breeze, will pick up for the game, making it feel a little cooler. Should remain dry.

Prediction: A win for Albion, provided they keep their heads.

Other games of note:
Blackheath (3rd) v Rotherham Titans (1st} - Presents an interesting dilemma for Albion. A Blackheath win would provide Albion a chance of pipping the Titans to the title, A Rotherham win would help Albion secure home advantage in the play-off (although a tough game as we have seen).
Leicester Lions (14th) v Bishops Stortford (7th} - must win for Leicester to avoid relegation.
Tonbridge Juddians (8th) v Sale FC (4th} - Sale will be looking to close the gap on Blackheath for the second promotion play-off spot, could go either way based on recent form.
Birmingham Moseley (11th) v Sedgley Park (10th} - Both on 42 points, with Mose currently in the relegation play-off spot.
Dings Crusaders (13th) v Leeds Tykes (9th} - Dings currently in the automatic drop zone have an opportunity to move up into the play-off place.
Rosslyn Park (5th) v Clifton (12th} - Likewise, Clifton have the opportunity to climb out from the automatic drop zone, but face a tougher challenge than Dings.