National League 1 - 2015-6 Wk 8
By stonehousealbion
October 18 2015
On the back of an away league win (only 18 months since the last one...) and finally with a four try bonus, Albion welcome Cinderford this weekend who make the 120 mile trip down the M5 for what is actually our home derby game! This victory is an massive psychological milestone for the side and backroom staff, putting a serious amount of unsavoury (long and short term) history behind them. It was a full bodied, eighty minute performance against with a virtually unstoppable maul. They prevailed in a situation which could so easily into ended in a draw or narrow defeat. With a two week break in the offing, let's hope the sick list won't limit our ability to field a strong starting XV.
Cinderford were formed in 1886. Located in the heart of the Forest of Dean, they were a mining community whose fortunes waned with those of the industry between the wars and many of their leading players went north for work and to play League. But they have bulit themselves up to become the second club in Gloucestershire. They are one of those complete rugby clubs; aiming to cover all ages and abilities on both the playing and social sides.
They were 13th in Nat 1 last season, narrowly avoiding relegation. This term, they've had just a single win (away, early on) at Wharfedale, but that's no mean feat at this level. They've been there or thereabouts with some of the better teams, but Blackheath dished out a bit of a drubbing when they travelled to SE London. On Saturday, they started well against at home v Richmond, leading at 13 - 10 at HT. But three early tries turned game around and the final score was 20 - 43. (Opposition profile to follow.)
Here's the full fixture list:
Sat 24 Oct
Fylde v Esher 14:00 Woodlands
Loughborough Students v Blackheath 14:00 U o L Stadium
Plymouth Albion v Cinderford 14:00 Brickfields
Wharfedale v Ampthill 14:15 Threshfield
Hartpury College v Darlington Mowden Park 14:30 College Stadium
Coventry v Rosslyn Park 15:00 Butts Park Arena
Hull Ionians v Blaydon 15:00 Brantingham Park
Richmond v Henley 15:00 Richmond Athletic Ground
Cinderford factoids: They are known as the Forseters (Doh!). And the J Sexton you may see on the team sheet is Jerry - Johnny's younger brother.
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Plymouth Bred , Plymouth Born .
C'mon Albiiioooonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn.