By Flanker7
January 13 2013

Plymouth Albion   3  v  Rotherham Titans 21     At The Brickfields

British & Irish Cup  Round  Five

On a very cold and wet afternoon At the Brickfields, and seeing the side that was selected I anticipated a forwards battle, as just after Kick- off the heaven’s opened again and made conditions for the sides to play attractive rugby.

Today’s attendance of 1037 did appear better than I first thought, as all over the ground it looked a little sparse

In the early stages of the game there were the inevitable knock-ons from both sjdes trying to make some momentum holding on to a slippery ball.

Albion just couldn’t get out of their 22 and were pinned back and Roth, applied pressure where after losing an opportunity to go over lost the ball, however, Referee Tom Foley called play back, to give  Roth  a penalty, quick pen  and the ball  went to hooker Dan Baines who  gleefully took the opportunity to crash over and give Roth a 5-0 lead, Gary Law also successfully put over the conversion to extend the lead to 7-0.

After more domination the Titans spurned another opportunity after making their way right up to the Albion whitewash, on this occasion Albion managed to clear their lines.

The home side were really struggling to get a foothold in the game, and in the nineteenth minute after a professional foul Wayne Sprangle was yellow carded.

After having been beaten away so convincingly (59-26) I thought we would have taken the game to the Titans and look to command and control the game, giving ourselves an chance of extending our stay in the B & I Cup.

It was nearly 27 minutes in before Albion had a serious attack into the Rotherham half, and once again before entering the Roth 22 the move broke down.

Just after the half hour, after an innocuous challenge, there appeared to be a serious looking leg injury to the try scorer Dan Baines, we wish him well in his speedy recovery.

The game was held up for a good 5 minutes, this did effect the visitors pattern of play and just before the break Paul Roberts landed a long penalty reducing the arrears to 3-7.

In Injury time after a great break Tovey Harrison was stopped just short of the line, if Albion had chosen to move the play out right Albion would surely have scored as there was a 3 on 1, however, moved broke down after more good defence by the Titans Half Time 3-7.

In the second half Roth continued to be finding gaps all over the park and kept their dominance of the game and territory mainly in the Plymouth half, and somewhat out of the blue Plymouth’s pack managed to push Titans back into their own half, and this momentarily got the home supporters to raise their voices.

In a game turning very scrappy, the clock just seemed to ebb away along with Albion’s Cup hopes, there were several changes to both sides and on 70 minutes Rotherham secured the away win by scoring their second try, with Albion losing possession in their 22 Gary Law won a foot race to the line and managed to put his hand on the ball for a crucial and winning score, with his confidence sky high, he managed to convert also. 3-14.

A miserable afternoon was complete on 74 minutes,  when ex- Albion player Ted Stagg managed to go over in the corner after yet again Albion lost possession in their 22, Just after half time Ted Stagg almost scored, however, didn’t release and Albion got away on that occasion but did not heed his warning.

With their tails up Roth also converted again by Gary Law, taking the score to 3-21, and for the home faithful a day to forget.

IMHO, this could and should have been another cricket score, we had no shape, game management was poor, kicking ball away aimlessly, and  were almost none existent at the breakdown, Lineout again today with huge problems, With Moseley coming at the end of the month, and a now meaningless fixture in Ireland. Our coaches need to ensure a focus of staying in the Championship is secured as quickly as possible. Numerous turn overs against Albion, and several free kicks at scrum time.

I wish the team good luck against Munster, work hard to try and get  those many missing thousands back through the gates of The Brickfields.

Match Report - Albion 3 Rotherham Titans 21

Discussion started by Unofficial Plymouth Albion (IP Logged), 13/01/2013 12:25

Unofficial Plymouth Albion
13/01/2013 12:25

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lobina
13/01/2013 17:41

We are not good enough.
Time for a change I think.

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ianbol
14/01/2013 10:51

Nice one, Flanker. Reported the sad affair as it was.

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Albiforever
14/01/2013 14:39

It was a poor show. I cannot understand why so many mistakes are repeated by professional players at this level. Some of the kicking this season has been terrible, and it was the same on Saturday. Restarts were poor, distribution was poor and there was a lack of organisation in the follow up of kicks. I know mistakes happen, but this was just too bad. I would try Paul Bailey at 10 but Nat has to ring the changes now before he comes up on the radar. Sorry guys. It was just very very disappointing, and not for the first time.

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plymquin3
14/01/2013 16:38

i can report the roth player injured had his knee pop out but was popped back in so was able to travel home hope and wish him a speedy recovery.
about the game enough said.
now the positive saw hebbie back in shorts , hope we have him playing soon as with out his imput this team has no idea other than pick and run . both pirates and bristol showed us how to win in these conditions but we failed to learn anything. playing for pride in ireland then back to the championship. we were promised a top eight place so lets see if we can achieve , much promise early on so ability there. drop the sad old pick and run game didn' work for gd and now nat.

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