Report by Rob Kershaw
Matchday five sees Plymouth Albion play at home for only the second time this season as they face off against Esher on Saturday afternoon.
The Ocean City side picked up a losing bonus point in Gloucestershire last time out, after an explosive start was undone by a clinical Cinderford side.
However, the quality of the performances so far, as well as the immense grit on display, will have been enough to convince Damian Welch that this team is heading in the right direction.
Damian’s men were mightily unlucky not to take all five points at home to Sale the weekend previous at Brickfields, with the Manchester side edging out Albion in a National League classic.
Last weekend too, was a wonderful advertisement for third-tier English rugby, and Albion are hungry to produce another one this Saturday.
They will do so against an Esher side who themselves have provided plenty of top-class entertainment in the opening four games of the season.
They have scored 96 points so far this term, and have put more than 20 on the board in all four of their opening fixtures, and have been hugely unfortunate not to pick up a victory as yet.
They are joined by Hull in that respect, and they sit 13th in the league table, but there is still an awful lot to play for in 2022-23.
Albion’s haul of 10 points from four games is a far cry from their bagel at the same stage last campaign, and with a number of key players yet to regain fitness and come back into the side, there is plenty of excitement around Brickfields at the moment.
Esher’s displays have been particularly impressive given that they have not featured in national League One since 2019, and Albion did the double over a stubborn London side that season.
Plymouth came out on top by three points in both fixtures, and if the start of this season is anything to go by, Saturday afternoon will be a real try-fest.
Plymouth Albion v Esher, Sat 1st October – 3 PM K/O
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Travel:
Those travelling from London have a four-hour trip ahead of them, taking the M3 from Surrey towards Basingstoke, before switching onto the A303.
That takes you onto the A30 heading into Sowton, and a short trip on the M5 leads to the A38 down to Plymouth.
For travel on the supporters’ coach, please contact Esher’s office on 01932220295.
Weather:
There is a 43 percent chance of rain on Saturday afternoon in Plymouth, but temperatures will still be up at 18 Degrees Celsius.
