Round 5 - Albion v Esher - Match preview

The second home season sees Albion entertaining Esher who Albion last met in the 2018/19 Campaign during which Albion beat Esher by 3 points on each occasion.

After gaining promotion from National 2 South, winning 25 of 30 games, Esher have found life in Nat 1 a bit more of a challenge as they seek their first win of the season. Nevertheless, they earnt themselves two LBP just losing out on both occasions in the final few minutes.

Albion have fared better having secured their first win a three weeks ago and accruing 5 bonus in the other 3 games. However, having got off to a flying start last week against Cinderford, they were completely overwhelmed in the second half coming home with a single point for 4 tries.

Esher tend to start games well but take their foot off the gas either side of half time. They then make a rally in the the last quarter.

Esher have scored 15 tries so far this season, with most coming from the backs, particularly from the Fly Half position. Meanwhile they have conceded 15 - 8 by the opposition packs and 9 through the wider defence with the wings proving to be the weaker spots. There is not much difference from Albion who have scored 17 tries whilst conceding 18, although Albion have not played anyone lower than 9th.

Esher will certainly be looking for a win against Albion to get their own season underway, whereas Albion will look upon this game as an opportunity to progress up the table with Bishops Stortford and DMP having tough away fixtures again the two top sides.

Players to look out for - Sam Morley at full back, and Pierre Thompson. Both turned out for Albion during the 19/20 campaign with Sam making 19 appearances and Pierre 7.

Prediction - 4 tries apiece seperated by a stronger kicking performance by Albion.

Weather - dry but overcast, warmer than average for the time of year, moderately breezy.