CAB to Devonport?

By A Nomad
August 11 2014

What has changed since April? The team has many new recruits, particularly in the forwards, whilst there are many familiar names amongst the backs. The pitch, which has recovered remarkably well from the RM350 concerts, has been widened as much as possible. The biggest difference, of course, is the new international standard goal posts. Today was also the first game with the two new club flags flying at either end of the ground. (Thanks to all those who contributed to the purchase of the flags.)

Now to the game, how did we perform against our old friends and neighbours from ‘Lan’son’? There was a strong wind blowing from the north end of the ground with the All Blacks (but playing in white shirts, Albion clad in the red change strip) having the wind advantage in the first half. The entire game was played in dry conditions, so the pessimists at the Met Office had the local forecast wrong. We were probably lucky in Plymouth as the worst of the weather seems to have been along the north coast or out in the Channel.

Throughout the game both teams, as befits a pre-season game, tended to run the ball on most occasions. Albion were clear favourites to win, and as could be expected they scored their first try after just 8 minutes. Alistair Bone was the scorer following a 5 metre scrum. He continued to impress throughout the time he was on the pitch. Ruairi Cushion scored the second try following a tapped penalty virtually under the posts.  Winger Peter Homan scored the third, again converted by Declan.  Albion dominated most of the game but there were handling errors and several penalties conceded, mostly for off-side. The All Blacks did get on the score sheet with a penalty kicked by Kieron Lewitt.

Albion were soon back scoring tries - the next was by Ben Woods, who charged down an attempted clearance and then had a simple task to score. The following one saw the ball spun wide out to the right wing, where some good interchange amongst the front row forwards saw Sam Matavesi score in the corner.

The All Blacks did gain good field position down near the Supporters Marquee following a wind-aided penalty kick. From the line-out they formed a maul and were pressing hard, but Albion resisted illegally. Tom Harrison being sent to the naughty boy step for what I think was an attempt to collapse the maul. Last season we frequently bemoaned the lack of discipline by Albion players. However, sometimes a penalty is conceded knowing the likely out-come but it is in the best interests of the team.

What was to follow was not in the best interests of anyone involved, nor either team. Ruairi and former Albion player Jamie Salter were shown red for a scuffle that continued in spite of the referee giving two loud blasts on his whistle. It seems punches were thrown and both players will be reported to the RFU for the normal disciplinary hearings to be considered, even though this was a pre-season match. The referee agreed at half time that both teams could field 15 players each for the second period, but neither of the players sent off could appear again. Probable out-come, two weeks ban - at least we hope so!

The second half saw many substitutions as both teams fully utilised all available players. Albion continued to score tries through Peter Holman, Sam Simmonds, Mark Kohler and Ben Foley. There were a number of flowing moves with same impressive line breaks, but frequently these came to nought either through poor handling or the referee spotting an infringement. We may has expected much more dominance in the pack, but the All Blacks performed well and gave our forwards a good contest in the tight exchanges. It was a good run out, although the players accept that improvements must be made week on week as we work up to our first league game. The crowd of 743 clearly enjoyed an entertaining match played on an excellent pitch in good weather conditions.

I started by mentioning what was new this season, so I’ll finish in the same vein. The players performed a lap of the pitch, as a complete squad, at the end of the game, much appreciated and it will be a feature at every game this season. The mini beer festival was popular with a good selection of beers and entertainment in the Supporters Marquee (aka ‘The Gym’) was enjoyed by many who stayed on after the game. We were joined by the players after they had been fed, again another feature we can look forward to this season. The club have taken a number of steps to encourage fans and players to get to know each other.

A bigger test follows next Saturday in South Wales where Albion play Neath (KO: 18.30). Hope to see you there.

Match Report: PARFC 55 - 3 Launceston (PSF)

Discussion started by Unofficial Plymouth Albion (IP Logged), 11/08/2014 11:52

Unofficial Plymouth Albion
11/08/2014 11:52

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