They ran us close...

By Balion Predator/A Nomad
September 27 2015

Minor apologies this week for some repetition as we have two submitted reports from Albion stalwarts; first up a personal take on things from BP and then a more factual piece from A Nomad. Any "user generated content" from our readers and opposition supporters is much appreciated. We'll always be beaten to the punch by the professionals, but what they don't give is the feeling on the terraces or the grandstand. Keep it coming, folks - especially when we're on the road. It was a little little disappointing to see the reduced numbers for the visit of Fylde - a side "contractually obliged" to keep the ball in hand, who didn't disappoint. If ever there was a day for the fair weather supporter, yesterday was it. Sheltered from the breeze, the East Stand was basking (no - baking!) in the autumn sunshine. If the RWC was the alternative, surely Italy v Canada was a game to be recorded or seen on catch-up? (Sadly, the stonehouse shorts were unavailable with an evening at work on the cards.) And the chance to rub shoulders with our "local" World Cup team, Namibia. You'll regret it come the winter, stay-aways...

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The day stood well with regards to weather conditions (excellent) and just under 1000 spectators attending. Another unknown quantity in the shape of Fylde had come to visit Brickfields and test our developing squad of young players. They certainly have competed well in Nat 1 over the past two seasons, finishing fourth on both occasions.

From the kick off Fylde’s intentions were clear; to hold on to the ball and, even from within their own 22, to set the standard of running with every pass. Their style and handling skills were slick and precise, which often caught out the Albion defence. During the course of the game there was a telling toll of missed tackles, at times in abundance. Naturally, this put the home side on the back foot and a scrambled defence had to be assembled.

But Albion's scrum and lineout were much improved against Fylde; with the former dominant and the latter functioning close to perfection on occasions. Another plus was to steal some opposition lineout ball. The set piece was a great platform for Albion to get some points on the board. They did this through great work as a team.

Fylde had other ideas and kept their half of the scoreboard ticking over. At one stage late on they were within two points, when the next score would be crucial. Fortunately, it was Albion who scored and they finished seven points clear at the final whistle. Fylde deservedly returned home with a point for their efforts. Had their set piece been better, I would say they would have returned with the four points; our poor tackling allowed Fylde to go forward and we couldn’t settle. A yellow card was shown to each team during the game; Albion fared better than Fylde while a man down, which was also very pleasing.

However, we fell short of how we have played in recent outings where we have been strong - especially in the last quarter. We need to stay positive, learn something and grow with every game we play. But above all, enjoy it, as that is what makes the players proud to wear the shirt.

Finally, to the referee - we all know some decisions are in favour and some against. But hey ho, decisions made, right or wrong you have to move on, as there is no going back. Against Fylde we had Shane Lewis officiating who, I been informed, refereed the home game with Rosslyn Park. On both occasions he has impressed me by setting a high standard and has the credentials to go further. Well done to him and to Fylde for giving us an entertaining game. Nat 1 is a great standard which I hope to enjoy for a few more seasons.

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After two narrow defeats could Albion return to winning ways? The day was ideal for running rugby with bright, warm sunshine and only a gentle breeze. At Hull last week Albion had been under severe pressure in the set piece; would the changes made to the team remedy the problems?

Albion kicked off with their backs to the clubhouse and the breeze in their favour. Fylde showed their intent very early in the game when Albion were penalised in front of their opponents' posts inside the 22. Fylde rather than kick to touch took a quick tap and attempted to run out of defence. This did cause some problems for Albion's defenders, but it came to nought. The Fylde runners throughout the match did find holes in our defence - more so than any other team this season.

It was soon clear that Albion forwards had worked hard on their set pieces during the week. Following a good attack down the right wing, Albion had a five metre line out. They retained possession and set up Mark Koteczky to find a hole in the Fylde defence and score under the posts. First blood to Albion and it gave a simple conversion to youngster Tom Putt; PARFC 7 - 0 Fylde.

There was then a spell of Fylde dominance, firstly with a penalty and sustained pressure on Albion when they pressed hard in repeated attempts to cross the try line. Following a 5 metre scrum, after the ball had been held up, centre Ralph Dowds scored a try under the posts and this was easily converted by fly-half Chris Johnson; PARFC 7 - 10 Fylde.

Albion drew level with a penalty kicked by Tom Putt and within a few minutes they took the lead with a try by Nile Dacres following a surging run by Herbie Stupple and more good play by Koteczky (He would go on to win Man of the Match). Again, Putt made no error with his conversion kick. He soon added three more points with another penalty to take Albion’s lead to ten. Dan Collier was then sent to the naughty boy’s chair when Albion were under pressure in the shadow of their posts. Remarkably, the pack earned a penalty in the subsequent scrum; proof again that work during the week had improved the scrummage. Finally, just on half time, Putt kicked a magnificent penalty from the half way line. Thus, the half ended with a 13 point advantage to defend against the wind after the interval; PARFC 23 - 10 Fylde.

The second half started with Collier still ‘enjoying’ his enforced rest, but Albion weathered the storm until just before his return to the field. Fylde characteristically ran at Albion from inside their own 22, lock Nick Gray scoring a try that was converted; Albion 23 - 17 Fylde. Albion increased their lead with a penalty by Billy Searle who had replaced Putt. Another good attack followed from Fylde who again found holes in the Albion defence; Chris Briers’ converted try reducing Albion’s advantage to just two points; PARFC 26 - 24 Fylde.

Albion put Fylde under pressure and eventually they cracked as their number 8 was sent to the sin bin with only 10 minutes left on the clock (this season it is left to run and not stopped for time-outs). Following a scrum, Albion moved to the left and Herbie Stupple was able to score out on the left. This time, Searle was unable to make the conversion; PARFC 31 – 24 Fylde.

Albion strived for their first try bonus point of the season and just before the end it looked like they were going to score in the corner, but Searle was forced into touch just a metre from the try line. Some anxious moments followed as Fylde attacked from the restart, but Albion were able to prevent them breaking through. Final score: PARFC 31 – 24 Fylde.

This was an enjoyable match with good tries from both sides. Albion have made progress at the set pieces - they had the upper hand in the scrum all afternoon. Fylde probably attempted to run the ball more than any other side that Albion have faced this season. Although this caused anxious shouts from time to time, it identified a possible weakness with our defence which will doubtless receive attention in the coming week.

Next week we travel to old ‘friends’ Coventry who are just a single point above us in the league with a similar record. Currently they are the best supported team in Nat 1 (Albion are second). The crowd was just under a thousand, which considering the attraction of the World Cup was a good turnout. If we keep winning, that number will grow - especially once the TV schedules return to normal.

Match Report: PARFC 31 - 24 Fylde (Nat 1)

Discussion started by Unofficial Plymouth Albion (IP Logged), 27/09/2015 19:48

Unofficial Plymouth Albion
27/09/2015 19:48

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noibla
28/09/2015 08:00

Many thanks to our reporters this week giving us a double coverage on the match report this week, and a good twist I feel getting input from two sets of eyes and memories of the same game, well done to all.

Semper Sersum.

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plymquin3
28/09/2015 10:53

thanks a good read lets hope for more reports like this . i still feel we missed the bonus point ,we must push on for the fourth try. spoke with some of the fylde supporters who stated were no championship team . seems the word is not yet out we have a newly assembled team . but they have worked out where our strike players are and a keen attention is paid to them. perhaps we can use this to our advantage later on.


well done albion

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