Saturday Showdown: Plymouth Albion Host Bishop’s Stortford in Key National One Clash
As National One action resumes this Saturday, all eyes turn to The Brickfields where Plymouth Albion are set to host Bishop’s Stortford in what promises to be a compelling contest, with both sides looking to build momentum in the second half of the 2025–26 season. With league positions, recent form and squad news to unpack, here’s everything you need to know ahead of kick-off.
League Landscape: Albion Eyeing the Summit
Plymouth Albion currently sit second in the National One standings on 55 points, just one behind leaders Rotherham and ahead of the chasing pack including Blackheath and Rosslyn Park. By contrast, Bishop’s Stortford occupy eighth place on 37 points, a respectable mid-table position but a significant distance from the promotion spots.
Albion’s lofty position reflects a season of consistent results and strong home form at Brickfields, where they’ve performed well against the division’s most dangerous sides. Stortford’s standing is built on moments of promise but also inconsistency, keeping them comfortably clear of the relegation scrap but with plenty of ground to make up if they harbour ambitions of climbing the table.
Albion head into the weekend boasting an impressive sustained run of five straight wins in National One competition, showcasing both attacking potency and resilience. The 35–10 triumph over Clifton in their most recent outing reinforced their credentials as one of the league’s premier sides.
Bishop’s Stortford did have an impressive set of results around the festive period. Their sequence featured four impressive wins, including victories over high flyers Roslyn Park and Tonbridge. Their loss just before Christmas was a close-fought two-point defeat to Blackheath, another top side this season.
While Albion’s momentum is clear, Stortford’s form suggests a more unpredictable pattern, with impressive recent performances showing they are capable of pulling off a positive result on their day, but lacking the consistency Albion enjoy.
The two sides met earlier in the season, with Albion emerging victorious at Silver Leys. That encounter was characterised by Albion’s disciplined structure and sharp attacking work, qualities that have underpinned their rise up the standings. Historically, Albion have tended to hold the upper hand in National One meetings with Stortford, though rugby’s unpredictable nature always leaves room for an upset.
Albion’s superior scoring record and defensive solidity reflect the gulf in consistency between the sides. Stortford’s mid-table status is built largely on grit and the occasional standout performance, whereas Albion have blended flair and structure with greater reliability.
Albion head coach Ryan Lamb is expected to stick with the winning blueprint that has served his side so well in recent weeks. A solid set-piece, patient build-up play and sharp finishing when chances arrive. With home advantage and a strong fanbase behind them, Albion will aim to control territory and tempo, an approach that should suit attacking players like Shea Cornish and Bobby Wigginton. Ryan had this to say:
“The guys are really looking forward to being back at the Brickfields after the festive break. Bishops have shown how good of a side they can be and are bang in form so, I’m sure it’s going to be a very competitive game. We’re excited for the challenge and also to be back playing in front of our fantastic fans.”
Stortford, for their part, will need to be at their resolute best. Their game plan may revolve around slowing Albion’s ball and forcing errors, while capitalising on any opportunity to counter-attack. Discipline and tactical kicking will be key if they’re to upset Albion.
For Plymouth Albion, this fixture is about consolidating their push for a top-two finish and staying firmly in the promotion hunt. A win here would strengthen their position and send a message to their rivals that they’re not easing up in 2026. In a division where margins are fine and confidence can be decisive, expect both sides to give everything over the 80 minutes.
Albion’s form and league position make them favourites, but Stortford’s unpredictability means nothing will be guaranteed until the final whistle.
Albion Team in Full
- Jenson Boughton
- Harry Wilkinson
- Dan Pullinger (cc)
- Freddie Stevenson
- Joel Broadhurst
- Joe Bailey
- Angus Hodges
- Ben Moa
- Jack Oulton (cc)
- Iwan Jenkins
- Oscar Stewart
- Archie Hill
- Ben Ravi
- Shea Cornish
- Frankie Dart
Replacements:
16. Louie Gulley
17. Liam Bishop
18. Oscar Beckerleg
19. Harry Legg
20. Bobby Wigginton
Kick-off: 3:00pm at The Brickfields and tickets can be found here
Come rain or shine, rugby supporters can look forward to a contest that encapsulates the Competitive spirit of National One.
