By A Horse Called Doris
December 19 2025

Almost at the Xmas break with the final fixture of 2025 as we start the second half of the season. Albion make their way along the A38/M5 for one of the 'local' matches against Clifton.

Albion find themselves in 2nd place and within 5 points of the leaders Rotherham, although there are 3 more clubs in the chase for at least a playoff spot. Clifton, however, find themselves in 10th, outside of the relegation zone, but by no means comfortably clear.

The Lavender and Blacks have had a topsy-turvy first half of the season starting poorly losing 6 of the first 7 fixtures, but then put together a run of 4 wins, including against the then top placed Rosslyn Park. They then ended with two losses.

In the reverse fixture earlier in the season Albion dominated with a 62-5 trouncing in Clifton's worst result of the season. Albion will perhaps find it more of a challenge to extend their winning run to 5.

To date, Clifton have scored 45 tries and conceded 61 (Albion are on 72 and 41 respectively) with two-thirds of those scored coming from the forwards. Of those conceded there is near 50/50 split between the backs and forwards, but notably, they have conceded 3 penalty tries

Clifton appear to take a while to settle into a game with a trend of scoring slowly in the first quarter and picking up the pace for the remainder of the game. The first quarter is also the worst for conceding tries, although the 2nd half figures are not far behind.

Clifton will want to keep this a tight tussle between the forwards, with a lot of pick and go from both sides as and when they approach the scoring lines. Whilst Albion should be able to handle this comfortably, they do have the option to utilise a clear advantage amongst the backs - subject to loan player availability.

Albion will also want to keep the penalty count down, not only to minimise catch and drive opportunities for their opponents, but to be able to maintain a high intensity throughout the match.

The referee is slated to be Timothy Allet, one of the more generous referees presenting 6 cards in 4 matches - although 5 of these were in the Leeds/Rams match. The last match he refereed in NL1 was also at Cribbs Causeway where he officiated in a 55-29 win for Clifton.

Player to watch: Oliver Stirling. The flanker may have only one try but has made his way into the side for the last 7 matches. Two yellow cards. As they say - "if your not causing trouble, your not doing your job."

The weather forecast indicates dry with sunny intervals preceding the match = deteriorating to light rain for the match itself. A moderate breeze, gusting to near gale, blowing from the SE along the pitch length will provide skew the advantage in each half.

Prediction: A comfortable win for Albion provided they don't become complacent and Clifton field a team that is consistent with previous selections.

Other games of note:

Rosslyn Park (3rd) v Tonbridge Juddians (7th) - Park's recent poor form is matched against an inconsistent TJ. Albion would appreciate a strong perfomance from the visitors.

Bishop's Stortford (8th) v Blackheath (4th) - BS are chasing a 6th win on the bounce, whilst Blackheath search for some consistent form.

Round 14: Clifton v Plymouth Albion

Discussion started by Unofficial Plymouth Albion (IP Logged), 19/12/2025 16:44

Unofficial Plymouth Albion
19/12/2025 16:44

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Igwok Dominus
20/12/2025 19:23

Great result and others elsewhere going our way

My body is a temple - I desecrate it every day

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PC again
21/12/2025 12:55

Another good result. Only six points covering the top five.

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lobina
21/12/2025 15:40

Well done the lads another good win.

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