Round 3: Plymouth Albion v Sheffield

Albion finally start their home campaign this weekend with the visit by the National 2 North Champions, Sheffield.

Sheff have had a relatively good start to the season, securing two bonus points at Tonbridge and claiming bragging rights with a win over Leeds last time out. This has placed them in 5th place in the league albeit with a long way to go.

Again, early days, but analysing the try scoring shows Sheff are fairly balanced offence sharing the tries between forwards and backs. The stats suggest that Sheff are willing to spread the ball wide out to the wings and look for gaps in the defence, but are also vulnerable to attacks on the same lines. Up front, they have only conceded 1 try out of the 7 scored against them. Meanwhile Albion have been utilising what appears to be a dominant pack, claiming 2/3 of the 14 tries they have scored. It will be interesting to see how quickly Albion can shift from a forward orientated strategy towards the backs if the opposing pack frustrates their efforts.

Albion will need to work on their penalty count whilst under pressure. Otherwise, a clinical display to build on the good start they have built on the road. Otherwise, a fast flowing game to entertain the crowd wouldn't be amiss.

Player to watch - Zak Poole. The Number 8 joined Sheffield from Rotherham a couple of seasons ago - no tries as yet this season, but an experienced and influential player. 

Weather - Likely to start with overcast conditions, with light rain appearing during the match. A moderate to strong breeze will blow across the pitch blowing from the Eric Johns side of the pitch. The temperature at 19°C should be comfortable.

Prediction: Strong win for Albion, but Sheffield won't be a simple pushover.

Other games of note: 

Rosslyn Park (10th) v Camborne (9th} - A "mid table" clash between the two sides Albion have faced. Camborne's performance last week suggest that they have a chance, but Park may well have dealt with their teething problems after their convincing win against Bishop's Stortford.

Bury St Edmunds (6th) v Sale FC (1st} - Newly promoted Bury St Edmunds, coached by James Shanahan (who joined last season), have now faced both of the clubs relegated from the Champ last season. Struggled in the second half of their opening match against Scottish but took the scalp of Cambridge last time out. The may find Sale a tougher prospect who are ahead of Albion after dominating displays against Rams & Mose.

Tonbridge Juddians (3rd) v Cambridge (13th} - The TJs are the third team with a 100% points record, and take on relegated Cambridge, who, while still looking for their first win, have accrued 4 bonus points.