By A Horse Called Doris
March 7 2025

Next up, Albion host Rotherham Titans in what could be season defining moment for the visitors.

Rotherham lie 2nd in the league and still in the hunt for the title. Sitting a mere 3 points behind the leaders, Richmond, they are yet to play Richmond at home in the penultimate round. A loss to Albion this weekend would require Richmond to fall elsewhere to give them the opportunity of promotion.

Albion meanwhile, in 5th are the bottom of three clubs sitting on 71 points, 9 points behind the Titans, and barring some poor results from the leading paid, out of the title challenge. They will be looking to extending their 10 game unbeaten run, but Rotherham themselves have won their last 7, albeit against sides who are 7th or lower. Their run would have been 13 but for a close encounter against Richmond at the Athletic Ground.

In the reverse fixture, The Titans won by a single point in a close fought game after a last minute penalty. This was a game that Albion should have won so they will be keen to make amends.

This season Rotherham have averaged 4.1 tries per game whilst conceding 3 per game, they have bolstered by adding 33 penalties, the second highest of the league. In comparison, Albion are scoring 3.7 tries per game whilst conceding 3.3.

Rotherham's try scoring is split 50/50 between the forwards and the back, with a high proportion coming from their No 8. Amongst the backs, the main threat is through the centres, but chinks in the defence are evident at the Scrum Half position and the wings.

The referee should be Matthew Sharpe, who has shown roughly 1.5 cards per game this season (about average). Mr Sharpe officiated at the Albion v Leicester game which Albion won, but also oversaw 4 of Rotherham's games including 3 of the last 6, which seems a little unusual.

Player to watch would be the No 8, Callum Bustin who has 12 tries this season.

Weather A damp start to the day will brighten by midday and should see some sunny spells in the afternoon. Temperature should be cool, but a moderate breeze with strong gusts blowing from the East should make the kicking interesting.

Prediction: Again could go either way, with good form shown by both sides. Albion come into this with a win against a top 4 side, but Rotherham have beaten everyone apart from Richmond this season. A well disciplined display should see them victorious, but Rotherham more likely to come through.

Other games of note:

Birmingham Moseley v Richmond (Fri) - should be straightforward for Richmond and potentially allow them to move clear at the top.

Sedgley v Rams - Rams in 4th have a challenge given their fall in form. They did score 5 tries against Albion last weekend, so should secure a win here.

Bishops Stortford v Rosslyn Park - Should be a comfortable win for Park with BS showing poor form of late.

Round 21: Albion v Rotherham

Discussion started by Unofficial Plymouth Albion (IP Logged), 07/03/2025 13:29

Unofficial Plymouth Albion
07/03/2025 13:29

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

Cider Drinker
09/03/2025 08:50

what a game, amazing effort from the lads, 10 in a row WOW

Don't let anything get in the way of a good game of Rugby

Reply Quote Report

lobina
10/03/2025 11:21

A great result and a very good game, plus England winning as well, what a good weekend.

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