Match Preview: Plymouth Albion vs St Austell
Friday 29 August – Brickfields, 5:45pm & 7:45pm KO
Plymouth Albion’s pre-season reaches its final stage this Friday night at Brickfields with a double-header of rugby action as both the men’s and women’s squads take on St Austell. Gates open at 5:00pm, with the women’s fixture kicking off at 5:45pm followed by the men’s clash under the lights at 7:45pm.
Building Towards the Season
Albion’s men come into the fixture following two competitive pre-season outings. The opening game against Bridgend finished in a 19–19 draw after a hard-fought battle at Brickfields, before last weekend’s thrilling contest against Exeter Chiefs U23s. In front of one of the biggest pre-season crowds in years, Albion pushed the Chiefs all the way before falling to a last-play 43–41 defeat in a game that produced eleven tries and showcased Albion’s attacking potential.
Friday’s fixture against St Austell provides the final chance for Head Coach Ryan Lamb to assess his squad in action before the National League 1 season begins.
Team News
It looks like Lamb has gone with a young and ambitious squad, giving opportunities to players pushing to make their mark. New signing Ben Saunders, the American fly-half, makes his first start in Albion colours, while highly-rated scrum-half George Hillson continues to impress and earns another chance to control the tempo from the base.
Starting XV
- Jenson Boughton
- Gabe Mead
- Archie Rolls
- Jake Clemson (C)
- Charlie Bell
- Torin Clarke
- Jake Bond
- Jago Sheppard
- George Hillson
- Ben Saunders
- Henry Sellick
- Billy Orchard
- Jack Statton
- Kyle Spear
- Craig Duncan
Replacements
16. Harry Wilkinson
17. Callum Arnold
18. Dan Pullinger
19. Joel Broadhurst
20. Ben Sharpe
21. Frankie Dart
22. Ben Parsons
23. Morgan Stone
24. Ben Raivalittia
There are plenty of stories in the squad. Callum Arnold features as a trial player, while Ben Sharpe guests for Albion this week. A familiar face in Craig Duncan also returns — limited to a handful of games this season due to work commitments, but set to contribute throughout the campaign.
Ones to Watch
Kyle Spear is one to watch after returning from injury. He crossed for a try against Exeter last weekend and continues to cause problems for opposition defences every time he touches the ball.
Captaining the side is Jake Clemson, who enjoyed an impressive season in Albion colours last year. His leadership and physicality in the second row will be key as Albion look to close out pre-season on a high.
A Big Night at Brickfields
Friday is about more than just the men’s match. The evening begins with Albion Ladies taking on St Austell Ladies at 5:45pm, giving supporters the chance to enjoy two games for the price of one. With gates opening at 5:00pm, it’s the perfect chance to kick off the weekend with an evening of rugby at Brickfields.
Tickets
Tickets are £10 on the gate, or can be bought in advance online at a reduced price via plymouthalbion.com. Supporters are encouraged to book early to save and to secure their place for Albion’s final outing before the league campaign begins.
