Round 5 - Darlington Mowden Park v Albion
By Happy Knees
September 28 2023
Next up is Albion's longest trip of the season as they visit Darlington Mowden Park in County Durham.
Darlington have had mixed results so far this winning two out of four, however, a failure to secure any bonus points has left them in a lowly 11th place. Last time out they succumbed to a heavy defeat against 2nd placed Blackheath so will be looking to get back on track.
Meanwhile Albion have put together 3 wins on the trot and secured 4 bonus points to date. However, this may need to be taken with a pinch of salt as those wins have come against 3 out the bottom 5 clubs. Furthermore, with a visit of bottom placed Sale the following weekend they will have played 6 of the bottom 7 clubs. It could, therefore, be considered that Albion will have had a fairly easy start to the season and their current 3rd place is a bit flattering although sometimes winning is a difficult habit to break.
In terms of the game on Saturday, the stats are certainly stacked in Albions favour. Albion have so far scored 23 tries this season compared to 7 by DMP, and conceded 15 tries to 16, more significantly comparing the front rows, Albion have scored 9, while DMP have scored none yet conceded 5. We could expect Albion to try and control the game through the forwards and keep it tight, especially as their main vulnerability is on the wings.
Darlington tend to start each half stronger but fade significantly particularly towards the end of the second half. So, if things don't go well for Albion in the first half, they should have plenty of time to turn it around in the second. Should Albion start strong then they will have an opportunity to put a lot of points on the board.
History is against Albion as recent fixtures between the two sides have gone the way of the home side and you have to go back to Feb 2017 when Albion won 17-20.
Referee for the Day will be Benjamin Wood for his 2nd National one fixture, having previously officiated between Bishop's Stortford and Albion. On that day he gave out a solitary yellow card to the home side, while Albion secured a victory through a late penalty.
Weather forecast: Overcast with a possibility of light rain later in the afternoon. A little bit on the cool side but not cold. A southerly light breeze will strengthen during the afternoon.
Prediction: On paper an easy win for Albion, but Darlington could be a sleeper.
Other games of note: Chinnor in 7th entertain 5th placed Cinderford could be a close low scoring game, meanwhile Sedley Park in 4th will be looking to stay in touch with the top 3 when they visit 8th placed Roslyn Park.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.
With Blackheath stuttering at lowly Sale, this propels Albion into clear 2nd.
My body is a temple - I desecrate it every day
