By A Horse Called Doris
April 25 2025
The season comes to a close with Albion's visit to Sale FC.
At stake is Albion's fourth position in the league with Blackheath and Rams just one point behind. Sale, meanwhile, are looking over their shoulders with Birmingham Moseley and Bishops Stortford looking to overtake their 7th place.
Albion will be looking to reverse the loss they experienced at Brickfields in the first game of the season where they lost 24-28.
Albion do not have a good record against Sale having won only three of the eleven fixtures between the two and none on the road. Sale's position in the league does not represent their current form as following a run of seven losses, they have won 8 of the last 11 fixtures.
Sale have a similar try scoring record to Albion, scoring 95 with Albion on 96, although weighted a little more towards the backs. They have conceded 94 tries compared to Albion's 86, again skewed more towards the backs with a strong defence against opposition packs. We may see Albion adopt an open style of play but will need to retain possession and show good discipline.
The referee for the game should be Ben Rayner. Whilst he issued 16 cards in the first eight games he officiated this season, the last six games have not seen him reach for his pocket. Albion encountered him at Rotherham where gave the home side 3 cards.
Player to watch: Joshua Brown - 18 tries this season usually plays at Hooker, but has started a couple of games at flanker.
Weather: Overcast with a light breeze blowing across the pitch towards the main stand. quite cool.
Prediction: High scoring game with Albion edging it
Other games of note:-
Darlington v Rams - An almost certain win for Rams and will move up if Albion lose.
Dings v Birmingham Moseley - Both sides have been inconsistent towards the end of the season, but a win for Mose could put them ahead of Albion
Esher v Sedgley Park - Leicester Lions v Bishops Stortford - With only 2 teams being relegated, 4 points separate Esher and Leicester. If both sides finish level on points, Esher will be saved due to the number of wins during the campaign.
