By Dark Prophet
December 8 2022
This week brings Leeds down to The Brickfields for the first of Albion's back to back home fixtures.
Currently lying in 12th, the Tykes sit five positions below Albion in the and will be looking to improve their position at the expense of Taunton. Whilst having only won 3 out of their 12 games to date, their last two games resulted in draws the latest of which was against Cambridge who were at the time in second place.
Leeds have struggled to score points this season having secured only 2 TBP and have the worst scoring record. Defensive-wise, things are a little better, but the worst record in the League for points scored, but much more difficult to score against, although, on paper, the margin between them and Albion is quite significant.
Having scored so few tries, it is difficult to identify where Leeds offensive threat lies. The majority of the tries have come from the Centres and the wing, particularly their leading try scorer Seremaia Turagabeci who has 5 to his name. Defensively, they look vulnerable to the maul, although plenty of opportunities should present themselves along the back line.
Albion, will be looking to put last weekend's disappointing result in Birmingham behind them which coming after an gutsy display against Rosslyn Park the previous week. This have left them with a 7 point gap to Cinderford and Bishop's Stortford in 5th and 6th.
The referee for the game will be Iain Kiy who officiated at Albion's narrow defeat to Sale earlier in the season. 'Sir' has doled out an average of 2 cards per game making him the 3rd harshest in Nat 1 this season. With Albion accruing a number of cards over the last few game, two of them red, they could easily draw the disdain of the man with the whistle. This could be further exacerbated by Leeds who surprisingly have collected the fewest cards so far (6, along with Cambridge & Esher).
The weather for Saturday is for sunny intervals, a north westerly light breeze.
Prediction: A comfortable win for Albion although they could make it difficult for themselves through ill discipline.
Other games of note
Cinderford v Rams - Having succumbed to their first loss last week, Rams travel to 5th placed Cinderford, although they have lost a little form themselves recently
Taunton v Birmingham Moseley - Taunton will be looking for their first home win to end a run of 4 losses and pull themselves away from the relegation zone against a team who have yet to win away.
