Albion return to Brickfields after a tough loss away last Saturday to Rotherham to take on top of the league Old Elthamians who have only lost two of their last nine games.
They had an impressive start to their Nat One season winning their first three matches, but the two losses and one drawn match have all been away fixtures, proving maybe that they are certainly beatable away from home.
The league has got to be one of the most open National One campaigns for years with only 10 points separating top place from Plymouth Albion in eleventh position, so on a good day with the extra bonus points everything can change.
Head Coach, Kieran Hallett commented: “Old Elthamians will be a really good challenge for us this week. Our home form is definitely better at the moment and we are excited and looking forward to it. That said we are in no way complacent and know that we will have to work for every point we can put past them, as well as defend well to falter their campaign. When you are playing teams that are doing better than you it can occasionally be favourable as the lads seem to step up a gear, and playing at home is always a slight advantage.”
Albion’s form continues to be a mixed bag so far this season. They are alternately winning and losing matches. However, the spate of cards given in the first few matches has hopefully dissipated.
Kieran added, “Discipline is the key, we still seem to give away silly penalties and sometimes this is costing us the game and valuable points.”
The team has changed slightly this week, with the absence of Dan Mugford after being stretchered off at Rotherham last Saturday. There were a few other knocks which has resulted in some changes and Dan Powell is back to fitness.
There are no fixtures in the league next Saturday, so hopefully the break will give the lads who have incurred a few knocks extra time to recover.
The backs start with a return to fitness for Dan Powell who partners up with Dean Squire, Teegan Minkley and Fraser Honey, with Jack Arnott and Jon Dawe on the wing and James Tait at scrum half.
The forwards for Saturday captained by number 8 Herbie Stupple are; Will Norton, Jamie Salter and Dan Pullinger in the front row, backed up by Dan Swain and Lewis Pearson with George Mills and Flynn Elworthy at the back. Replacements are: Luke Chapman, Davy McGregor, Kieran Westlake, Cameron Setter and Robbie Weeks.
Albion kick off at 1500 this Saturday and tickets are still available from the website or on the gate. This Saturday Plymouth Albion are honouring the Armed Forces with the British Legion in attendance as well as representation from all the services. Ground tickets are half price for serving and ex-military personnel with a valid ID. Normal tickets are priced at £15 for adults, with under 16s allowed free entry with a paying adult.
