Pre-season Friendlies

By Igwok
August 19 2012

Well that’s the home friendlies completed but what can we draw from them?

What is evident is the gulf in standards that lay between Albion and their opposition. Whilst some have criticised the choice of opponents what needs to be considered is the paucity of ND1 teams in the SW – locally this leaves the Pirates – also Championship – and Chiefs who already had a friendly fixture against Pirates.

The games to date have revealed a bit more adventure in style of play with a willingness to move the ball around, keeping it alive and plenty of running – although at the back of the mind lies the question mark over standards and it is doubtful that Albion would be afforded the same luxuries over Championship sides. Yesterday against Redruth seemed to be more about testing out the pack rather than racking up points whilst the Exmouth match was clearly a scratch side to enable a run out for the remainder of the squad.  

Let us not take anything away from the opposition, none of whom let up in any way and each game proved entertaining. They probably benefited far more from the encounters than Albion and Exmouth must be particularly pleased coming away with a draw.

We do however have a challenge in the form of Worcester to look forward to on Friday which also doubles as the first ‘post selection’ match. This will be a big wake up call as the defence, which has already revealed some concerning weaknesses, will be fully tested. It will also demonstrate whether we can play the way Nat really wants Albion to play.

Conclusions to date – too early to tell how we may fare in the Championship but promise of some exciting rugby ahead. Still some work to do on the defensive side and other skills need a little sharpening.