For the second week on the bounce, a depleted Plymouth Albion are on the road for a tough-looking National Division One Fixture.
After the valiant losing bonus point at Moseley last week, Coach Damian Welch will be hopeful lightning can strike twice as they visit fourth place Cambridge at their Volac Park stronghold.
The striking selection for the game is number 8 Herbie Stupple in the centres. The last time this happened, the Ocean Cities’ finest took a record away victory but only the most partisan supporter would think that likely. Injuries and call ups from parent clubs have left Albion once again with a three-man bench – all of whom are front rowers!
There is no doubt some serious questions must be asked about the reliance on clubs from higher divisions and indeed the squad depth this term but there is certainly none about the tenacity and commitment of the XV that have taken the field of late.
With this one final game in hand, the fixture is something of a ‘free hit’ before the key match next weekend when rock bottom Tonbridge visit the Brickfields. Cambridge themselves have had a week off and come into the game on the back of a 10-59 hammering of the Tonbridge team.
If the Albion starting XV can stay on the pitch, they certainly have a chance but, if the injury spectre that has haunted the second half of the season strikes, it may be a long afternoon.
Cambridge v Plymouth Albion
Volac Park, Saturday 3 pm