
CINDERFORD VS PLYMOUTH ALBION PREVIEW
On the back of their hard-fought win against Caldy last weekend the boys travel up the M5 to Gloucester for the 7th match of the season against Cinderford.
The results in the Nat one league last week went in Albion’s favour with there only being 4 points that separate them from Chinnor. They regained their position at the top of the table on equal points with Old Elthamians, who we meet at home on November 4th.
Cinderford’s long unbeaten run away from home ground to a halt last weekend when they were closely beaten away at Esher in a rain soaked Molesey Road ground match.
They are 7th in the league and only one point ahead of Plymouth Albion so the game this weekend looks to be another close fought battle against the two teams.
However, after their win against Caldy Albion are ready for the next battle. Head Coach, Kieran Hallett commented: “We were comfortable in the game against Caldy, especially once we scored the fourth try. I’m really pleased with how we played, we controlled the game and conditions really well.”
There was a great atmosphere at Brickfields after some disappointing defeats at the start of the season. The discipline has been less than ideal over the last few weeks and the team have put a lot of time into improving it and it showed in the match and ultimately getting the win.
Kieran added, “We’re not really bothered about the table at this stage until everyone has played each other once and it’s still very open. We know we have that performance in us, and we also know we have a long way to go, but we are starting to see an improvement week to week and that’s what matters.”
The Beavis Memorial Ground is the venue this weekend, and it will be a good indication of how the team can continue improving on their performance and discipline, and Kieran Hallett’s side hope to repeat the determined recent performance at Brickfields. It really is still anyone’s league.
The coaching staff have yet to announce the final team travelling for the game. There were a few knocks picked up during the intense game against Caldy, so coaches will be assessing the situation at training. George Mills and Dan Powell both left the field with injuries and there were a few players who didn’t make the squad from injuries incurred the previous week. However, the team will be announced on the regular social media channels and on the website prior to the match.
Albion kick off at 1500 this Saturday at Cinderford and match updates can be followed on twitter. The team to face Cinderford is:
1. Luke Chapman
2. Paul Davis
3. Marcus Street
4. Sean Lonsdale
5. John Kelly
6. Rusi Tuima
7. Flynn Elworthy
8. Herbie Stupple (c)
9. Joe Snow
10. Fraser Honey
11. Jack Arnott
12. Dan Mugford
13. Dean Squire
14. Jon Dawe
15. Matt Shepherd
Replacements:
16. Jamie Salter
17. Will Norton
18. Kieran Westlake
19. James Tait
20. Connor Eastgate