Wings clipped!

By Flanker 7
February 21 2016

As kick off approached, the dreadful weather we have been experiencing in Plymouth of late reared its ugly head again. This would make a running game far more difficult. In addition, Henley DOR Nigel Dudding’s promise to “take the game to Plymouth” would make for an challenging fixture.

Albion kicked off kicking to the North End of the ground and an error instantly put Henley under a lot of pressure. The home side spun the ball from one side to the other looking for an early score. Henley defended their line well, but from the next attacking move Albion opened their account. A poor clearance from ex-Plymouth full-back Jamie Davies went straight into the arms of Dan Collier who moved the ball inside to Dan Pullinger. Very close to the line, he unselfishly gave Nile Dacres the opening try under the posts. Matt Shepherd successfully converted; PARFC 7 - 0 Henley Hawks.

This score seemed to have encouraged Henley Hawks far more than Albion as the visitors came good on their pledge and enjoyed a period of sustained pressure in the Albion 22, during which they thought they had touched down. Their hopes were dashed as referee Dan Parrott indicated a knock on.

Henley with their tails up, were to score with their next adventure into the Albion 22, choosing to kick for a lineout. After another period of pressure, hooker Tom Emery squeezed over. Fly half Basil Strang hit the post from the resulting conversion attempt; PARFC 7 - 5 Henley Hawks.

Strangely as the game resumed, I saw out of the corner of my eye Henley’s lock Charles Davey pushing and shoving Marc Koteczky. Play continued and as Albion retained possession and went on the attack, a fight broke out involving several players. Punches were thrown and a retaliatory blow from Marc Koteczky caught a Henley player and blindside Tom Hall. Following a discussion with the assistant referee, Hall was shown a yellow card and Koteczky a straight red.

With Albion totally dominating the scrum area, advantage was not being shown on the scoreboard as Henley once again were to upset the Albion rhythm and as a result took the lead from a penalty scored by Basil Strang; PARFC 7 - 8 Henley Hawks.

Albion although a man down, still continued to play the rugby and were nearly over again after a good break by Sam Matavesi who was having a very influential game. Six minutes before the break, Albion were awarded a penalty which was duly despatched by Matt Shepherd; PARFC 10 - 8 Henley Hawks.

Whatever was said in the Albion dressing room certainly had the desired effect as Nile Dacres went close to doubling his tally after the restart. The second Albion try was scored early on in a similar to the first. Albion opted for a scrum and to the surprise of many, Henley appeared to be pushing Albion off their own ball. However on the blindside, Robin Wedlake ran in to register his first try in Albion colours. From a very acute angle Matt Shepherd narrowly missed the conversion; PARFC 15 - 8 Henley Hawks.

Changes were made by both sides to the front rows – it was great to see James Penman back in the fray after a most unwelcome injury. After a cross-field kick picked out Ethan Ford, he went on a mazy run through the Henley back line, drew in the full back and faked a pass before powering over; PARFC 22 - 8 Henley Hawks.

The visitors were being well and truly mullered in the scrum - ref Parrott had no choice but to bin Hawks’ Dave Manning for infringing. There appeared to be players going on and off all over the place, as Jake Randall (winger) was sacrificed as to allow another prop on the park.

With the clock running down, and Albion in search of the all-important fourth try, errors were now more evident. Albion’s lineout was OK and on another afternoon would have done better. With an attendance given as 1 171, the vast majority in the ground got behind the home side willing them on to a bonus point score. After more sustained Albion pressure, Robin Wedlake gave Ethan Ford an opportunity to squeeze over in the corner and he finished with aplomb. The conversion was missed; PARFC 27 - 8 Henley Hawks.

The game petered out in the last few minutes; Albion’s work was complete and they were looking forward to a well earned rest. The gap at the top beneath third place Blackheath has closed to just a couple of points - and they are the next side to visit Brickfields (19 Mar; KO: 15.00). Could we have 1 500 in attendance or justifiably, many more?

Footnote: The 200 Club organised another pre-match meal with the added bonus of seeing Herbie Stupple, Dan Collier (- both mums and dads in attendance) briefly. DoR Graham Dawe had a few words with everyone and had his picture taken with a guest clad in Bath colours. Well done to Vince and Jill for another great event and to the catering and bar staff for for their hard work.

Come on Albion!!!

Match Report: PARFC 27 - 8 Henley Hawks (Nat 1)

Discussion started by Unofficial Plymouth Albion (IP Logged), 21/02/2016 09:01

Unofficial Plymouth Albion
21/02/2016 09:01

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ianbol
21/02/2016 11:55

Nice one, Cyril.

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lobina
21/02/2016 14:36

Another good report, well worth the read.

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hills22
21/02/2016 15:46

Good read, thank you F7. Another great result, another new hurdle to overcome with the red card. The way the side won the game is a great credit to themselves - they even got everyone the bonus point score to go home with. A whole month in not seeing the guys play for me, whatever next! Well done Albion, thanks to Vince for another great lunch and was nice to see everyone again.

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albiforevr
21/02/2016 20:45

The second half was very special. The tries were so well worked and a massive credit to the players and the coaching team. One of the best, well done. Very entertaining and maybe the gates will go on increasing.

Off the park, the supporters marquee was more like a swimming pool, and must be doomed, not as in bar.

Come on Albi.

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