By Happy Knees
October 21 2022
This weekend sees Hull RUFC making the long journey to the Brickfields where Albion hope to continue their recent winning form.
Firmly rooted to the bottom of the league, the reigning Nation 2 North Champions have struggled this season, only gathering 4 bonus points from their opening 6 games. In their defence, they have already faced the top two teams, and the remainder from mid-table with the exception of Birmingham Moseley. In their last outing they narrowly missed out on a draw against Leeds who scored in the dying minutes to take the win.
Stats wise things look bleak for Hull who appear to fall short on many fronts. The one stat in their favour in the number of tries they have scored in the last quarter, although this may be as opposition teams ease off after ensuring their own victories.
Their predicament may also be reflected in their disciplinary record - also worst in the league with 8 yellows and a red (for foul play). Meanwhile Albion have only gathered two yellows.
Although we could expect Albion to have a lot catch and drives coming off penalty line outs, on a good day there would have been plenty of opportunity for the backs to have their day in the "sun", but alas the weather forecast says heavy rain with a moderate breeze from the clubhouse end. [Weather update: Light rain / heavy showers - what a difference a day makes!]
Prediction - a comfortable win for Albion in a game controlled by the forwards.
Teams available on https://albionrfc.co.uk/
Other games of note RP v Rams - someone's going to lose their 100% record.
Also Cambridge v Cinderford - One of these two will be within a game's reach of Albion come next weekend.
Immediately below Albion we have Leeds v Bishops Stortford, which could result in a gap developing between Albion and the lower half of the league.
Finally Taunton v Chinnor - 10th and 12th respectively. Opportunity for either side to gain a much needed win and move away from the danger area (however big that may be)
