By A Horse Called Doris
January 29 2026

Albion close out January with their second shortest trip of the season to Dings Crusaders.

Dings, currently in 12th place and in an automatic relegation place will be scrapping for every point, especially with 4 points covering themselves and the 4 teams above them. They can be a Jekyll and Hyde side producing results way off the form book exemplified by their 50-31 win over Rotherham earlier this season. Albion, themselves, were on the receiving end of such a lesson last season when the were surprised by a heavy 46-29 defeat in their first encounter with the newly promoted Dings last season. Recently, they have won their last 3 home fixtures including a 31-25 defeat of 6th placed Rams.

Dings have been heavily reliant on Bristol Bears for additional players, having fielded 11 players from the Bears Academy side. Thus could be significant as this weekend sees the latest round of the Prem Cup, which will draw on Academy players. Albion may also be affected with the previous round seeing Louie Gulley and Oscar Beckerleg being recalled by the Chiefs.

This season, Dings have scored tries at a rate of a little under 4 per game, which is around 'mid=table', however they have conceded 5.75 per game, the second worst in the league. Their offensive strengths lie amongst the front row and out on the wings, suggesting that they have a strong catch and drive game, whilst willing to send the ball out wide rather than penetrating the defensive line.

Albion should dominate the scrum and find results from pick and go tactics. There may be plenty of opportunities for the backs, again on the wings, but also from the back of the scrum.

Dings tend to start fairly aggressively in the first half, in fact they share the top try scoring position for the first quarter, but fade away for the second half. However, their defence lets them down by leaking tries at a steady rate throughout the game.

Overall, we may see Albion play a very forward orientated game, opening up as the game develops. Dings will try and capitalise on penalties awarded to them to progress up the pitch.

The referee, may have a busy day with Dings having accrued 20 yellow cards this season (Albion 8), by far the worst in the league.

Players to watch - The hooker, Sam Cantwell, he will be looking to score tries from the back of the maul. Also, Harry Rowson, usually on the right wing but has featured in each of the back 3 positions. Harry is Ding's top try scorer.

Weather: Light showers with sunny intervals. A gentle to moderate Westerly breeze will blow diagonally across the pitch towards the car park.

Prediction: A comfortable win for Albion allowing them to extend the current streak to 9.

Other games of note:
Rotherham (2nd) v Rosslyn Park (5th) - Probably a win for Rotherham unless Park can turn around a collapse in form. A loss for Rotherham could prevent them from retaking top spot the following weekend.
Tonbridge Juddians (7th) v Blackheath (3rd} - The leagues least consistent side play host to play-off contender Blackheath. Whilst due for a win TJ will likely not be able to call on their Quins academy players. Could still be an upset though.

Round 18: Dings Crusaders v Albion

Discussion started by Unofficial Plymouth Albion (IP Logged), 29/01/2026 15:06

Unofficial Plymouth Albion
29/01/2026 15:06

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