By Igwok
October 29 2021
This saturday sees a visit from Caldy.
Lying 3 places and 5 points above Albion in the table, there is an excellent opportunity for Albion to rise up the table, especially as Bishop's Stortford have their bye-round. Blackheath in the other position between Albion and Caldy have delayed their game against Leeds until next weekend, so it is expected that any progression past them can only be considered temporary.
Like Albion, Caldy had a poor start to their season losing their opening 2 games, but have been unbeaten in their last 5 which includes 2 draws, culminating in an 47-40 win against Tonbridge despite an epic fightback by the visiting side. They have, however, only gained the single bonus point in their campaign to date.
Whilst Albion have conceded 30 tries to date, the majority of these have been scored by opposition forwards. This route is not favoured by Caldy who prefer to score throughout the backs. Albion will need a sturdy defensive line to keep them out.
Speaking of cards, Caldy have one of better disciplinary records in the league (4 yellows), whilst Albion have one of the worst (9 yellow) and most of these collected by the backs. Clearly, ill-discipline could leave Albion vuldnerable to Caldy's attacking line.
Albion have definitely improved over the season to date, and the win 2 weeks ago would have been a huge psychogical boost. To back this up with an impressive scoreline against Blackheath away will be the basis of a momentum shift which could carry Albion through.
Projection - A win for Albion if they avoid any cards.
Weather = Dry with sunny intervals. A bit on the cool side woth a light cross breeze.
1. Danny Southgate
2. Jamie Salter
3. Dan Pullinger
4. Dan Collier
5. Ed Scragg
6. George Mills
7. Will Gibson
8. Herbie Stupple
9. Tom Pullinger
10 Phil Jones
11 Alex Ducker
12 Jeremy To'a
13 Setareki Raumakita
14 Shea Cornish
15 Frankie Nowell
16 Ramaz Rukjadze
17 Harry Wilkinson
18 Shek Sheriff
19 Henry Clement
20 Robbie Weeks
