By Dark Prophet
December 12 2025

We return to Brickfields to close the first half of the season with the game of the week for a visit by Sale FC.  

Sale sit one place and 1 point behind Albion after putting together a run of wins culminating in a close win against Blackheath. For both teams this game represents an opportunity to create some space between the two and more importantly stay in touch with the two leaders.

Historically, Albion have struggled against Sale with Sale holding an 8 - 4 advantage in previous meetings. Last season Sale won 24-28 in the corresponding fixture, although Albion did respond with a 24-46 win at Heywood Road.

This season, Albion have scored nearly 20% more tries than Sale with the honours shared fairly equally between the forwards and backs for both sides. Defensively, the spread is slightly different - both sides have conceded a similar number but whilst Albion are again fairly balanced between forwards and backs, Sale have let a significant proportion through their back line with their pack showing a strong aptitude for resilience.

It is also evident that Sale tend to be vulnerable during the first quarter and again in the last quarter, suggesting that they are slow to adapt to the opposition and have a bench which is less defensively orientated. Offensively they appear to be fairly even throughout a match.

With fine weather forecast for the Saturday, Albion will benefit from relying less on the pack and move the out to the backs. If they do achieve a good start, they will need to maintain discipline and focus and not let Sale back into the game. Expect a fast game of running rugby.

The referee for the game will be Alex Powdrell. In 8 games in NL1 this season he has issued 10 cards - which is around the average. Both Albion and Sale are at the bottom end of cards received, we could see every avoiding the ref's wrath.

Player to watch: Joshua Brown - Usually as Flanker, Joshua has put time in as Hooker. 5 tries this season puts him one behind the utility back Harry Davey.

Weather: Sunny with very little wind. Temperature at a balmy 11°.

Prediction: Win for Albion with the backing of the home crowd. Sale will not be without a shout.

Other games of note:

Dings (13th) v Leicester Lions (14th) - A chance for either side to catch Leeds or Birmingham Moseley and tighten the relegation battle.

Rosslyn Park v Rams - A difficult run of games have left Rams with only 1 win from the last 5, that said, Park's current form is questionable with 1 win from the last 3. The win for both sides came against Leicester.

Round 13: Albion v Sale FC

Discussion started by Unofficial Plymouth Albion (IP Logged), 12/12/2025 15:05

Unofficial Plymouth Albion
12/12/2025 15:05

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PC again
13/12/2025 17:39

Best match of the season in my book. Sale were solid in the maul and inventive in attack but Albion stuck to their guns and the third try was a stunner, especially for Sale!

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Igwok Dominus
14/12/2025 08:18

Good result after some hard work.

Rumours are that there were six sharks swimming in that pond.

My body is a temple - I desecrate it every day

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lobina
14/12/2025 12:35

Another great result, I think we are clear of relegation now.

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Dewnansek
18/12/2025 10:29

Quote:

lobina
Another great result, I think we are clear of relegation now.

You eternal optimist you!

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Exiled in the bridge
19/12/2025 14:08

Has jago shepherd jumped ship to camborne or is he on loan for the derby game v redruth

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