By A Horse Called Doris
February 26 2026

Albion's run of 11 wins will be put to the test this weekend as they entertain 3rd placed Blackheath for a crucial game for Albion's in Albion's campaign for promotion.

Blackheath are currently building their own winning run having secured 4 victories on the trot, although they have only beaten 3 of the other top 5 teams this season, with the exception being the reverse fixture where they came out 40-28 on top.

Meanwhile Albion will not only want to maintain the pressure on Rotherham, but Blackheath have the last opportunity for an opposing team to do the 'double' over Albion. Realistically, Albion could afford to drop a point, but need the win.

Reflecting the relative positions, Blackheath have scored 101 tries to Albion's 110, but conceded 3 fewer at 57. They are heavily reliant on their pack, but more specifically their hooker, William Harding, who has scored 37 tries this season, well over half of the pack's tally. Their pack also does a good job at defending. The weaknesses are amongst the backs with potential gaps beyond the fly-half position.

We can expect Blackheath to seek out penalties in order to utilise catch and drive tactics at every opportunity, very rarely opting to kick for goal. To counter this Albion will need to keep their discipline and run the ball wide to apply pressure of their own. Could see some high balls from Albion to test Blackheath's backs. Furthermore, the scoring pattern suggests that Blackheath are adept at analysing their opponents tactics and adjust well at the break.

The referee will be George Ounsley. He has officiated for 5 games involving Blackheath, all of which went Blackheath's way. Curiously, this also includes the Blackheath v Albion fixture where he awarded 3 cards to Albion (Jack Oulton, Archie Hill & Craig Duncan). A second match involving Albion was at Leicester, an away win for Albion, but another card, this time for Harry Legg. Card count: Albion 9, Blackheath 16 (including 2 red - both downgraded). Referee's average 1.33 per game.

Player to watch - William Harding - but more specifically the lineouts and consequences thereof.

Weather: Sunny intervals but may cloud over completely towards the end of the match. A gentle to fresh South-westerly breeze will blow across the pitch. A little bit on the chilly side at 11°.

Prediction: A win for Albion - if they keep their heads.

Other games of note:
Rotherham Titans (1st) v Birmingham Moseley (11th} - Should be a win for the Titans
Clifton (13th) v Leicester Lions (14th} - Barring a miracle, the Lions have almost run out of games to escape the drop. Clifton will be looking to get themselves a fighting chance to escape.
Leeds Tykes (9th) v Rosslyn Park (5th} - 10 points off 3rd, and a game in hand, Park need a 5 pointer to gain ground on Blackheath in the second playoff position..
Sale FC (4th) v Dings Crusaders (12th} - A difficult game for Dings to improve their outlook.
Sedgley Park (10th) v Tonbridge Juddians (7th} - The Tigers have a difficult, but not impossible chance to pull away from the relegation threat.

Round 21: Albion v Blackheath

Discussion started by Unofficial Plymouth Albion (IP Logged), 26/02/2026 19:02

Unofficial Plymouth Albion
26/02/2026 19:02

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

Exiled in the bridge
27/02/2026 12:42

Herbie stupple on the bench for camborne tomorrow , still no jago shepherd

Reply Quote Report

Igwok Dominus
01/03/2026 15:07

Let down by inept performance. Bad line outs, too many penalties in the first half gave let Blackheath pull away. Second half was better, but battering away at the pack yielded little result. A yellow card perversely coincided in a step up in performance, and Albion pulled to within a score, but too little too late.

Blackheath have beaten us twice, and look favourites to do it a third time this season.

My body is a temple - I desecrate it every day

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