Saturday 27 September – Brickfields, 3:00pm KO
Plymouth Albion are in action this weekend in only their second home game of the season, as they welcome Leicester Lions to Brickfields. Kick-off is at 3:00pm.
It will be Albion’s fourth game of the campaign, and they come into the tie unbeaten so far, with three impressive wins out of three. Sitting at the top of the National One table with maximum points, Albion will be looking to continue their momentum.
So far, Albion have been dominant against two newly promoted teams — Leeds Tykes and Clifton — before facing their toughest test last weekend, defeating Bishop’s Stortford away in convincing fashion.
Form Guide
It has been a difficult start for Leicester Lions. They have lost all three of their matches so far this season, including a heavy defeat to newly promoted Tonbridge Juddians on the opening day. Across those games, they have scored just 47 points while conceding 142. The Lions will be desperate to turn their fortunes around, but face a confident Albion side in top form.
Albion, meanwhile, have impressed both in the scrum and at lineout time. The set piece has been a platform for multiple tries already this season, and their defensive structure has been equally solid. In three matches, Albion have conceded only 20 points, with just five of those at Brickfields — from a single Clifton try — a defensive record they will be eager to protect.
Team News
Head Coach Ryan Lamb has made several changes to the squad for Saturday’s match.
Starting XV
- Liam Bishop
- Harry Wilkinson
- Jenson Boughton
- Freddie Stevenson
- Joel Broadhurst
- Jake Clemson
- Angus Hodges
- Ben Moa
- Jack Oulton
- Harry Legg
- Bobby Wigginton
- Archie Hill
- Oscar Stewart
- Kyle Speare
- Frankie Dart
Replacements
16. Louie Gulley
17. Dan Pullinger
18. Oscar Bekerleg
19. Craig Duncan
20. Iwan Jenkins
Two changes come into the starting line-up: Liam Bishop makes his first league start of the season at loose-head prop, having featured from the bench in the opening three games, while Kyle Speare earns his first start after nearly two years out with injury. Speare has recently been on loan at Barnstaple and now returns to Brickfields for a long-awaited run in Albion colours.
There are also four changes to the bench. Captain Dan Pullinger moves to the sidelines, while three Exeter Chiefs loanees — Oscar Bekerleg (England U20), Louie Gulley, and Iwan Jenkins (who spent last season on loan at Cornish Pirates) — all take places among the replacements.
From the Coach
Head Coach Ryan Lamb said ahead of the fixture:
“We’re excited to be back at Brickfields in front of our own fans after three good performances, two of which were away. It’ll be a good opportunity to bring in a few new faces and a couple of loanees from Chiefs all getting an opportunity with us this weekend. Also, Kyle Speare is coming back after a long lay-off with an injury that’s kept him out for two years. To get him back in the mix is really exciting. We’re looking forward to a big team on Saturday, and we’ll hopefully put a good performance together.”
Matchday Extras at Brickfields
Supporters can look forward to more than just the rugby this Saturday:
- The Women’s World Cup Final will be shown live in the clubhouse after the Albion game.
- Following that, we launch The Third Half, our brand-new post-match event with live music and entertainment at Brickfields.
🎟 Tickets are available now at plymouthalbion.com. Book online in advance for the best prices and secure your place at Brickfields.
Pablo Cheeks
