Plymouth Albion
National League 1 - 2015-6 Wk 11
By stonehousealbion
November 15 2015
Put the DaMP squib behind us, we're off to the Big Smoke this Saturday to face one of the oldest clubs (the oldest open club in fact) in the world - Blackheath FC. Founded over 150 years ago (1859), their nickname is "Club" to differentiate them from the (Blackheath Proprietorial) school in the same locale. (The Rectory Field is halfway between Greenwich and Charlton.) They are the also the third oldest club of any description in the world. Currently sitting fourth in Nat 1 and having been top of the heap at times this season, they are a club whose rich history is no empty accolade to be waved around smugly like a tatty banner. They aim to be a beacon of excellence and achievement at whatever of the many levels they operate. I spoke with Tim Brindle who seems to be typical of many at the club; multi-hatted and committed to progression. He is Commercial Manager, Programme Editor, U12 Coach, Sponsor Liaison person - and still playing in one of the more "social" sides (phew!).
At first glance, Blackheath appear to be like several of the Nat 1, clubs offering much of what Albion (for various reasons over the years) has turned it's back on; an academy, minis and juniors, veterans, etc. But they are aware that in London they're not the only show in town - not just in terms of rugby, but competing with a whole gamit of sporting and social activity. They are committed to excellence and progression with subordinate teams allowing pathways to higher standards and ultimately the 1st XV. The Academy allows talented youngesters to play and study for a BTech which could take them on to top sporting colleges like Bath or Hartpury. This is clearly an organisation with a strong ethos of participation and development.
While they have been in Nat 1 for a long time, they have been mid-table finishers for the most part, with the odd flirtation with the drop zone. Reading between the lines, I'd say they're pleasantly surprised by results this season which have turned them into one of the front runners. Those results have been consistent rather than spectacular and wins have come against some of the better sides away as well as at home. Up until last week at the RAG that is, when the hosts narrowly prevailed 23 - 20.
This success is due to a combination of players and coaches in the right place and the right time. The strongly-bonded side is captained by Markus Burcham (13) who leads by example. Other names to look out for are Dave Allen (openside flanker), Terry Read at tight head (who's playing for the first time at this level) and Jack Walsh (9) who has returned from the England Sevens squad. There's also Simon Whatling (10/12) who coaches the Academy. Head coach is a Club player from the 90s and ex-Sevens international Mike Friday who has made an overall improvement, but particularly in the set piece.
Against this confident and outfit, Albion will compete with a changed line up after last week's defeat saw our winning run come to an end. We've lost Big Dan to illness (replaced by Jim Massey) and Harrison Cully comes in on the left wing. Ethan Ford is at full back (Did Tom Putt pick up a knock last week?) and returnee Sam Matavesi is named as a replacement. Weather conditions will be nothing like Saturday - breezy from the NW and chilly. The online punditry is solidly (unanimously!) against us, with 7:4 reckoning on a five pointer to the home side. Almost for that reason alone (but don't forget, we've beaten Richmond as well), I'll tip our boys to edge a narrow win. Good luck to the team and travelling support.
Here's the full fixture list:
Sat 21 Nov
Blaydon v Esher 14:00 Crow Trees
Wharfedale v Hartpury College 14:00 Threshfield
Ampthill v Richmond 14:15 Dillingham Park
Blackheath v Plymouth Albion 15:00 Rectory Field
Cinderford v Coventry 15:00 Beavis Memorial Ground
Darlington Mowden Park v Hull Ionians 15:00 Northern Echo Arena
Henley v Fylde 15:00 Dry Leas
Rosslyn Park v Loughborough Students 15:00 The Rock
Blackheath factoid: Dr John Watson (Sherlock Holmes' "winger") played for Club before poor health put the dampers on that.
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21/11/2015 07:55
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Semper Sersum.
Come cheer up, my lads - 'tis to glory we steer!
Prematurely sent. Scoreline TBC. Club Twitter sender complaining of frostbite...
Come cheer up, my lads - 'tis to glory we steer!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:11:21:15:42:38 by stonehousealbion.
BLTH 15 - 3 PARFC
Come cheer up, my lads - 'tis to glory we steer!
Come cheer up, my lads - 'tis to glory we steer!
No small amount of Albion pressure (including knock on on their line), but ultimately unable to convert into points. Caught out by catch and drive tries.
Come cheer up, my lads - 'tis to glory we steer!
Blaydon 14 - 8 Esher
Wharfedale 0 - 45 Hartpury College
Ampthill 10 - 46 Richmond
Blackheath 34 - 3 Plymouth Albion
Cinderford 13 - 38 Coventry
Darlington Mowden Park 43 - 11 Hull Ionians Arena
Henley 18 - 23 Fylde
Rosslyn Park 10 - 32 Loughborough Students
Table not updated yet, but reckon we're 10th...
Come cheer up, my lads - 'tis to glory we steer!
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