Saturday 25 October \u2013 Brickfields, 19:45 KO<\/p>\n
(Gates open 17:00)<\/p>\n
Plymouth Albion will be back at Brickfields this weekend, when they take on Birmingham Moseley in this season\u2019s only scheduled evening game under the floodlights.<\/p>\n
Albion\u2019s opponents have had a mixed bag of results so far this season, managing just two wins from their opening seven games. Both of those victories have come at home, as the Midlands side has struggled on the road, losing all four of their away fixtures. However, last weekend they produced an impressive upset, defeating Blackheath and dealing them their second loss of the season. That performance will no doubt give Birmingham confidence as they look to build momentum and climb the table.<\/p>\n
Despite making an excellent start to the league campaign, Albion have shown some vulnerability of late, losing two of their last three matches. They bounced back strongly two weeks ago with a dominant win over Dings Crusaders after suffering their first defeat of the season to Rosslyn Park, but were undone last weekend by a rejuvenated Tonbridge Juddians side, who made seven changes to their lineup and prevailed 35\u201325. Albion will be looking to make an immediate response as they return to Brickfields, where they have remained unbeaten so far this season.<\/p>\n
On paper, this fixture should favour the home side. Albion have scored 286 points across seven games, over a hundred more than their opponents, who have managed 181. Yet Birmingham\u2019s resurgence last week shows that form can change quickly, and Albion will need to be sharp and disciplined to ensure there are no surprises under the lights.<\/p>\n
Squad Selection<\/strong><\/p>\n Head Coach Ryan Lamb has once again made only a few minor adjustments to his side, opting for continuity and stability in selection. Rhys Williams steps into the starting lineup, as does the on loan Nick Lilley, with last week\u2019s Man of the Match Harry Wilkinson moving to the replacements. Joining him is Jake Bond, returning from a spell away on loan.<\/p>\n Starting XV<\/p>\n Replacements<\/p>\n 16. Harry Wilkinson<\/p>\n 17. Liam Bishop<\/p>\n 18. Jake Bond<\/p>\n 19. Morgan Stone<\/p>\n 20. Archie Hill<\/p>\n Pre-Match Thoughts<\/strong><\/p>\n Nick Lilley, Albion\u2019s new inside centre on loan from Exeter Chiefs, shared his excitement ahead of the match:<\/p>\n \u201cI love being at Brickfields and I\u2019ve really enjoyed the last few weeks. There are some great boys here and everyone has been very welcoming. I can\u2019t wait to get stuck in this week. Last week was a tough physical challenge, but this week it\u2019ll be good to right some wrongs.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Assistant Coach Jamie Salter also reflected on the team\u2019s focus going into the fixture:<\/p>\n \u201cLast week was a tough one to take. Going away from home, scoring five tries but still losing is not what we wanted. We went off script too many times, and this week we\u2019ll be looking to do things the right way and improve.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Matchday Information<\/strong><\/p>\n This Saturday night\u2019s fixture promises to be a Halloween special at Brickfields, with fans encouraged to come in fancy dress and enjoy a packed evening of rugby and entertainment. Don\u2019t forget you can join us from 1700 and get \u00a35 pints in the MEC Supporters Marquee.<\/p>\n\n
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