Bump - down to earth!

By A Nomad
October 13 2015

Having expected a good contest between these two old foes, it was extremely disappointing that Albion were unable to produce the form they had displayed against Coventry. We started with a sad note, a minute’s silence in memory of Albion stalwart, Vernon Pinches, before kick off. The report in the Plymouth Sports Gazette details the action very accurately. It is bad enough having to endure the painful experience of reading that, so I will not repeat precise details here.

Clearly Esher are a good team, well organised with good players and they had Albion on the rack right from the first whistle. The weather was overcast with a wind blowing across the pitch and slightly in favour of Albion, who started defending the Clubhouse end. Right from the kick­ off Albion were penalised for off­side. There was a knock­ on and some one gathered the ball whilst offside. More penalties followed in quick succession moving Esher down to Albion’s 5 metre line. Esher then dominated possession and territory virtually for the whole of the first half.

Albion struggled in all departments. The line­outs were poor; even when the ball was about to find its intended target Esher were able to steal it. The defence seemed lethargic and frequently Esher were able to penetrate Albion’s back line - almost at will. It is frequently said that players tend to up their game when playing against former team. Paul Roberts certainly did throughout this game. His place kicking was faultless. The score at half time; PARFC 0 - 15 Esher.

Esher gained their bonus try early in the second half as Albion’s misery continued. Goodness knows what was happening in the line outs with the ball apparently being thrown in aimlessly. However, Albion did show some improvement as the second half progressed. Herbie scored again, and of course his name was chanted as is now the custom. By then a meaningful result was well out of Albion’s reach. The only possible consolation was perhaps a 4T bonus point, but the visitors were good in defence as well as attack.

Albion added a second try (scored and converted by Mark Koteczky) and in the final few minutes did start to play a bit more like we know they are capable. But it was way too late, so we suffered our first pointless game of the season. The common remark after the game from both from Plymouth and Esher spectators (and Albion players) was, “Albion did not turn up!” Our coaching staff will have learnt a bit more about the quality of our players and how they respond in adversity.

Next week is the longest away trip of the season to bottom placed Blaydon. Let us hope that we return to winning ways and make the long trek home an enjoyable one!

Match Report: PARFC 35 - 12 Esher (Nat 1)

Discussion started by Unofficial Plymouth Albion (IP Logged), 13/10/2015 06:31

Unofficial Plymouth Albion
13/10/2015 06:31

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

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