So close...!

By A Nomad
September 13 2015

Another intriguing match with a thrilling finish; even if the final result was disappointing. However, Albion’s performance was encouraging and the crowd (1 243 - up 25% on last week), were rewarded with an entertaining game. It’s clear that Albion’s young team is going to cause most teams in this league problems. The experienced forwards, Nile, Herbie and Dan, all put in strong performances and the backs showed they can be a right handful. There were the occasional handling errors; probably down to players yet to acquire that instinctive knowledge of where the receiving player will be in any situation.

Albion kicked off into a breeze blowing down the pitch towards the club house.  Early on, Park were penalised for ‘off-side’on the half way line, but Bale’s kick fell short and a 22 drop-out followed. Park then gained field position in Albion’s half and we seldom managed to get back over the half way line. Although the visitors dominated field position, we were far from being outclassed by a team that is expected to challenge for promotion this season.

The first score followed two line-outs on Albion’s right wing. Park had found touch close to the 5 metre line and it was important that we retained possession. We did; however an attempted clearing kick was partially charged down with the ball going into touch off a Park player. Another line-out to Albion followed only a few yards further up the pitch. Again, a crucial line-out for Albion to win; but this time Park stole the ball and with good field position they soon were able to score an unconverted try in the corner; Albion 0 – 8 Park. 

Park retained the lion’s share of possession and field position, but the home defence stood firm. The opposition's main tactic was to kick the ball deep with the aim of pinning Albion back near the 22.  Eventually, we were pinged for offside right there and right in front of the posts. A simple kick followed; Albion 0 – 8 Park.

Towards the end of the half Albion gained good field position inside the opposition 22 on the right wing. Time and time again they attempted to breech the Park defence, but were stopped inches from the line. As at the end of the first forty in the Richmond match, Albion gained ascendancy due to their superior fitness. In spite of playing into the breeze, Albion were still in the game at half time. They would have been better placed if, when kicking deep, they had taken advantage of situations where there were players outside with an apparent overlap.

The second half saw Park retain their advantage with field position, but Albion had improved in the set pieces and were getting back into the game. Unfortunately, a clearance kick down field that copied Park’s tactics, saw them take a clean catch near the 22 and a flowing move eventually resulted in them scoring in the corner, but unable to convert; Albion 0 - 13 Park.

Shortly afterwards, the home side was awarded a penalty in front of the Park posts, so Eliot Bale had the simple task of opening Albion’s account. He was later subbed after a well-timed, heavy tackle from ex-Albion winger Mark Kohler. While he was off, Albion pushed on and scored a well worked try. Attacking down the right wing, the Park defence was up flat and a clever chip kick by RN flanker (a marine at Bickleigh, actually), Jarrad Hayler. The ball was eventually passed across the pitch through the backs for replacement scrum half Matt Shepherd to score in the corner. Tom Putt attempted the conversion from out wide on the left, only for it to fall short. But we were well and truly back in the game; Albion 13 – 8 Park. 

After the restart, Albion were penalised for an apparent scrum infringement in front of their posts. Park sensibly opted to kick for the sticks and in so doing appeared to take away the losing BP. But as in the first half, Albion regained the initiative through their fitness and never say die attitude. Bale returned to the fray (remember different rules apply in Nat 1 re substitutions) and Albion scored another good try. The backs again passed the ball across to the left wing where this time skipper Jake Murphy went over in the corner. Bale made a successful conversion from the touch line; Albion 15 - 16 Park.    

With over 80 mins on the clock, the referee indicated to Park that there was a minute left. Try as they might, Albion were unable to get field position for the score that would have resulted in a most unlikely win.

So, our young team continues to show promise and the forwards are improving at set pieces. In both games so far, they have needed time to get to grips with their opponents - but team spirit and energy levels are excellent. I am confident that they will soon be firing on all cylinders from the off. Next week sees them on the lengthy trip to Hull Ionians. All in all, another good result that will hopefully encourage even more returnees to cheer on the lads at the next home fixture; PARFC v Fylde, Sat 26 Sep, KO: 15.00.

(Photo: Darren Hands)

Match Report: PARFC 15 - 16 Rosslyn Park (Nat 1)

Discussion started by Unofficial Plymouth Albion (IP Logged), 13/09/2015 19:05

Unofficial Plymouth Albion
13/09/2015 19:05

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ianbol
13/09/2015 20:31

Nice one A Nomad. Thanx.

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lobina
14/09/2015 10:34

A good report, give this team a couple of months and they will be very hard to beat.

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hills22
14/09/2015 13:24

Encouraging to read positive comments again from Saturday. Looking forward to finding out how we do in Hull.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2015:09:14:13:54:19 by hills22.

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BALION PREDATOR
16/09/2015 18:20

Very good game to watch . At the early stages I thought we were in for a thumping . A good rally from the full team to get within a point . Full 80+ needed but don't force things . Great things happening with greater things to come .

Rosslyn Park deserved their win away from home . Still early days, and a return fixture at The Rock for Albion , will be hopefully another close encounter with entertainment as this game was .

Proud of the players representing us and pleased with the coaching , great start and something to go forward with .

Defence is impressive .

Best of Luck at Hull I's and above all, ENJOY .

Well done All and One .

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