By Flanker 7
April 10 2016

The questions on every home supporters lips were how the home side would respond to last weekend’s drubbing at Ampthill, and was the mindset of the squad in the right place to overcome a fired-up Wharfedale side battling to avoid the drop? As the teams came out the sun shone brightly, but with some very heavy clouds about. 

When Wharfedale kicked off towards the North End, Albion unfortunately made a mistake giving the away side a chance to kick to the corner and test the home backline - pressure which continued for several minutes. This was a very nervy start with Albion penned back in their own half. After another error which led to a Wharfedale penalty, fly half Jamie Guy duly despatched the three points; PARFC 0-3 Wharfedale.

By eight minutes, Albion’s penalty count had reached five and they were clearly finding it difficult to get a foothold in the game. But at least there was plenty of encouragement as an attendance 1 393 was announced - a great effort due to the uncertainty as to what will happen in the next 48 hours regarding the club and its financial/league status.

With a promising start made by the away side, confidence was lifted by a failed drop goal attempt by Jamie Guy; short and off target. After a couple of set-piece scrums, Albion looked to be gaining a little more ascendancy as penalties were now going in their favour. It was from one of these that the home side levelled the score with Matt Shepherd slotting the ball clinically between the uprights; PARFC 3-3 Wharfedale.

Almost immediately, a classy Wharfedale drive took them to within a couple of metres of the try line. After coming back inside, scrum-half Phil Woodhead sold a wonderful dummy pass and was over by the posts. Jamie Guy again converted the score and that left a few people scratching their heads; PARFC 3-10 Wharfedale.

I for one was bewildered how Wharfedale could have lost so many games this season. However, the game started to take shape again for the home side with a spell of pressure which led to a second successful Matt Shepherd penalty reducing the arrears; PARFC 6-10 Wharfedale.

Wharfedale again came under huge pressure as Albion were building more territory and possession due to better kicking from Billy Searle. It was from a scrum and many pick and gos that Albion were to record their first try. Dan Collier tried and was stopped; Herbie Stupple had a go and was also kept out. Third time lucky and Christian Judge got over the whitewash. Matt Shepherd converted, putting Albion into the lead at last; PARFC 13-10 Wharfedale.

Dan Collier had to go off after trying to score and got a head injury assessment in the process; Sebastien Gregory came on as a replacement. A few minutes later, another successful penalty from Shepherd (standing in for Cam Setter at scrum half) widened the lead to six points. That score gave Albion a lot more confidence and following more pressure they were to score again. After great work from Herbie Stupple, he offloaded to put Harrison Cully away. He was stopped just short of the line, but the ball was quickly recycled the ball and after a long throw to where it seemed as though our three quarters were well placed to cross, it was actually full back Tom Putt who went over with nobody at home. Matt's good afternoon at the tee continued as he again secured the extras; PARFC 23-10 Wharfedale.

As the interval approached, Sebastien Gregory was sin-binned for a high tackle on Wharfedale full back Harry Bullough, but for the remainder of the first half Albion kept the away side from altering the scoreboard.

In the second half Albion continued their dominance, creating a couple of good scoring opportunities which frustratingly didn't come off. Firstly, Robin Wedlake was unceremoniously put into touch just as he was going over the line. Not long afterwards, Ed Holmes also came desperately close to extending Albion’s advantage. A third Albion score was on the cards and on 63 minutes, it duly arrived. At the end of a series of penalties, Herbie Stupple took a quick tap and after huge pressure Tom Bedford was to rise as the successful try scorer with the ever-reliable Shepherd converting; PARFC 30-10 Wharfedale.

As both teams tired and many replacements were made, the score remained unchanged. Another scare for Albion as Hooker James Penman was also shown yellow. The last ten minutes were predominately played in Albion’s 22, but the team never relented in their efforts to keep Wharfedale out from another score.

The sponsor for the afternoon selected Sam Matavesi who for me was outstanding all afternoon - plenty of turn ball over, made some great line breaks, and for reverting to hooker for the last 10 minutes. Great effort, Sam!

We must sit nervoulsly and await Monday's announcement as to what is going to happen to our great club; the team, its supporters, the Brickfields, and the staff currently employed. Doubtless, we will endure a heavy penalty reduction of points for this season and must hope the RFU/NCA see that fitting enough without further sanctions.

Overall, this was a great response after such a mauling last week - it sets us up nicely for the last three games of this campaign. Slightly disappointing to leave some points on the field, but better to be safe than sorry against a side with plenty of talent and spirit. We wish them well in their quest to stay in Nat 1.

I spoke with Dan Collier who carried a nasty looking cut on his eyelid, but he was in fine fettle as he celebrated with his family after the game. That was the reason he came off for a head assessment, having caught a trailing boot as went for the line.

Next up - a slightly earlier start (14.00) away at Loughborough. Come on Albion!!!

Match Report: PARFC 30 - 10 Wharfedale (Nat 1)

Discussion started by Unofficial Plymouth Albion (IP Logged), 10/04/2016 08:52

Unofficial Plymouth Albion
10/04/2016 08:52

What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.

Reply Quote Report

BALION PREDATOR
10/04/2016 17:47

Another good read after a match .

Wharfedale are not a poor side , not many poor sides in the ND1 .

Good wishes to them for next season .

Reply Quote Report

lobina
11/04/2016 10:10

Another good read, well done.
I thought Dan had another great game for me he was man of the match.

Reply Quote Report

Forum List Message List Search Log In

Your Name:
Subject:

We record all IP addresses on the Sportnetwork message boards which may be required by the authorities in case of defamatory or abusive comment. We seek to monitor the Message Boards at regular intervals. We do not associate Sportnetwork with any of the comments and do not take responsibility for any statements or opinions expressed on the Message Boards. If you have any cause for concern over any material posted here please let us know as soon as possible by e-mailing abuse@sportnetwork.net