Plymouth Albion v Sale FC – Match Preview
National League One
Saturday 13 December 2025
Brickfields Recreation Ground
Kick-off 15:00 GMT
A winter blockbuster in National League One awaits as Plymouth Albion host Sale FC at Brickfields this Saturday. With both clubs firmly in the promotion hunt, the fixture promises high tempo, tense kicking exchanges and a tactical arm-wrestle between two of the division’s form sides.
Sale sit just one point behind Albion in the league table, despite Albion having scored more points and conceded fewer so far this campaign. Plymouth have also been outstanding at home, boasting the best home record in National One this season, particularly when conditions demand discipline and control.
Sale, meanwhile, have climbed steadily in recent weeks. Their points difference reflects a balanced style built on pressure, consistency and efficient finishing. Albion’s own numbers show firepower, solid defence and strength late in games, especially at Brickfields.
Form Guide – Last Three Matches
Plymouth Albion (W W W)
6 Dec – Sedgley Park 26–50 Plymouth Albion
Albion’s backs and forwards combined to great effect, scoring 50 points in a clinical attacking display. A flurry of late tries highlighted their ability to finish games with power.
22 Nov – Plymouth Albion 22–21 Rotherham Titans
A one-point classic at Brickfields. A late penalty and nerves of steel from Iwan Jenkins delivered victory against the league leaders.
15 Nov – Rams 15–34 Plymouth Albion
A controlled and convincing away win. Dominant set-piece work and sharp decision-making from Jenkins proved decisive.
Sale FC (W W W)
6 Dec – Sale FC 26–21 Blackheath
A weather-affected win at the Morson, with Sale grinding out five league points against strong opposition.
22 Nov – Birmingham Moseley 13–15 Sale FC
A narrow, hard-earned win away from home in tough conditions, showcasing Sale’s defensive resilience.
15 Nov – Sale FC 33–26 Tonbridge Juddians
An expansive and energetic display at Heywood Road with multiple scores built on sustained pressure.
Both clubs arrive unbeaten in their last three, making this one of the most attractive fixtures of the season so far.
Key Battle: Jenkins v Curtis
For Albion, Iwan Jenkins has been the heartbeat of the side. His kicking accuracy, composure under pressure and ability to turn half-chances into points have made him a consistent match-winner. Match reports from both the Titans and Rams wins highlight his influence.
Sale’s counterpart, Tom Curtis, sits among the league’s leading scorers. His precision off the tee and territorial control are central to Sale’s success. If Curtis finds rhythm and platform, Sale will look to manage territory and scoreboard pressure.
The duel between Jenkins’s playmaking and Curtis’s kicking and control will shape much of the afternoon.
Tactical Overview
Plymouth have shown significant improvement in the set-piece over recent weeks. A dominant maul, disciplined scrum and sharp work at the breakdown have given them control in key moments. If Albion can dictate the contact area, they can create try-scoring platforms and disrupt Sale’s rhythm.
Sale’s approach typically revolves around territorial kicking, forcing mistakes and relying on Curtis’s boot. Expect a low-scoring, physical contest if they succeed in slowing Albion’s tempo.
Both clubs have recently won in poor conditions, proving their resilience. Error control and discipline will be crucial, as will pressure decisions in the final quarter.
Everything points to a tight, tactical battle – the kind that could hinge on a single kick.
Team in Full
1. Liam Bishop
2. Harry Wilkinson
3. Jenson Boughton
4. Freddie Stevenson
5. Jake Clemson
6. Angus Hodges
7. Gabe Mead
8. Ben Moa
9. Jack Oulton (Captain)
10. Iwan Jenkins
11. Bobby Wigginton
12. Archie Hill
13. Oscar Stewart
14. Shea Cornish
15. Frankie Dart
Replacements
16. Rhys Williams
17. Dan Pullinger
18. Jago Shepperd
19. Harry Legg
20. Ben Raivilita
