Round 7: Plymouth Albion v Dings Crusaders

It's Round 7, a quarter of the way into the season and the last match of the block before everyone enjoys a short break. This Saturday will see Albion entertain Ding's Crusaders, who are now in their third season in NL1, having finished 11th last season and 10th in their debut season. 

Preview

Currently lying in 10th, Ding's have won only the one game against 12th placed Bury St Edmunds and drawn another against 9th placed Rams. They have secured try bonus points in every game, averaging 6 tries per match and LBP's in three games, including against the TJs where the lost out to a try in the dying moments of the game. 

Whilst having a reputation for filling out home matchday squad with Bristol Bears players, this doesn't appear to be the case this season. The Prem imports appear to be allowed to go on trips and to date, Dings have utilised eight such players, including 6 away to TJs. It may be that the Bears would prefer their upcoming players to be 'tested' against stronger opposition, criteria which Albion surely meets.

The last meeting between the two sides saw Albion dominate at Frenchay Park Road with a 24-52 win. The previous two meetings went a similar way, but Albion's first encounter, at the start of the 24/25 season caught Albion by surprise with a Bear loaded side. 


Scoring Analysis

To date Dings have scored 36 tries, just 2 short of Sale & TJs who both have 38. These scores are fairly evenly split between the forwards and backs. Amongst the forwards, 11 have been scored by the front row, with 7 of those going to the hookers. Albion forwards have a similar pattern with the exception of the no 8, from which 9 tries have been scored as opposed to Ding's 8 scoring 1. Amongst the Dings backs, tries are fairly evenly spread, but the wingers are not getting a disproportional amount as with other sides. 

Defensively, Dings sit 10th having shipped 10 tries, mostly through the back line and particularly through the centre positions, however Albion tend not to use the centres as a try scoring route. Another area of weakness is in the scum half position so this will be an interesting area to watch.

Whilst Albion will want to test the Dings pack, the conditions will suit a more open game. Albion will look for opportunities from the back of the scrum and probe the defensive line to draw the Dings backline in, freeing up the wings. Dings will be looking for penalties to set up catch and maul opportunities. if they do send it wide, they will face a strong defensive line, which is starting to look like the exception within the league. 

The home crowd will find Ding's a much stronger challenge than Cambridge or Sheffield. Ding's will want to keep the TBP tally ticking, and will put a lot of effort in trying to achieve it. Albion need to keep their discipline and take opportunities as they present. Another 80 minute effort will be required, particularly in the last quarter where replacements rejuvenate Dings' attacking capabilities, but defensively they start to yield.

Player to watch: Lock William Thompson. The only forward to have played all 6 games this season with the only absence being enforced by a technical yellow card.

Referee

The gentleman in charge should be Adam Wookey. Having issued 10 cards in NL1 this season, including 1 red, Mr Wookey is high on the punitive list. Of the 4 games he has officiated, he has refereed Dings twice and Albion once. Given the high carding rate, the referee would possibly suit Dings better as this would suggest a higher penalty rate. Incidentally, Albion and Dings have accumulated 5 cards each.

Weather Forecast (at 15:00 15 Oct)

Generally dry and sunny with the occasional cloud. A gentle to fresh North Easterly breeze will blow from the open end of the pitch whilst the temperature will be quite cool at 15°C (feels like 13°C).

Prediction

A more balanced game which Albion should win. No BPs for Dings.

Other games of note 

Camborne (3rd) v Sale FC (4th) - Camborne's great start will be challenged by a Sale side trying to re-establish their candidature for a play-off spot following defeats to the top 2 sides.   

Leeds Tykes (5th) v Bishops Stortford (6th) - Albion's next opponents after the break are gaining some form having got off to a shaky start. 3 wins in the last 4 with the loss being against Sale FC. The Blues have lost their last 2, but have faced stronger opposition to date.
  
Tonbridge Juddians (2nd) v Rams (9th) - A difficult proposition for Rams, but they have secured 5 TBPs and if TJs continue to run it down to the wire (some weird sort of bet?), they may slip up.

Sheffield (13th) v Cambridge (14th) - Bottom of the table clash, the start of the Blood and Sands renaissance, or will Sheffield cut them loose.