Plymouth Albion Preview

For many fans of both clubs, this is the biggest fixture of the season. A West Country derby against rivals who were, until last season, more often the opponents in friendly games. Then Titans gained promotion to National League One where Plymouth Albion found themselves following their 2015 relegation from the Championship. Plymouth has made no secret of their intention to gain promotion back to the Championship in the 23/24 season.

The corresponding fixture last December saw Taunton emerge winners by 35-25 in front of a bumper pre-Christmas crowd at Veritas Park, augmented by a good number who travelled up from Devon to support the men in white, red and green. Albion exacted their revenge towards the end of the season at The Brickfields in Devonport with a convincing win to secure their status in the league.

The opening weekend saw both teams score four tries, there by earning a bonus point but whilst both scored 28 points, Titans enjoyed an away win at Leeds whereas Plymouth succumbed narrowly on the road at Cambridge. The Devonians will be looking to gain more than those two league points when they arrive at Veritas Park, especially if they are to improve upon their 11th place finish from June, three places below Taunton.

Coached by former Cardiff and Exeter lock, Damian Welch, Albion have good momentum from the back end of 2021/22 and with some astute recruitment over the summer, they will expect to provide a stern challenge. They are well led by number 8, Herbie Stupple, and boast a rapid back line including Frankie Nowell, younger brother of British Lion Jack.

Visitors heading up from Devon should note that Exeter Chiefs have a game at the same time and there might be congestion around Junction 30 of the M5. Better news, however, is that the A38 Bridgwater Road turn that leads to Taunton RFC is at last open again.

New title sponsor British Gas will be the match sponsors for this fixture and will have two engineers on site providing information and showcasing how you can become as energy efficient as possible this winter. Anyone that goes to chat with them will also receive a FREE raffle ticket which will be drawn at half-time with a number of great prizes up for grabs.

We are delighted that Somerset County Cars - a main sponsor for the 2022/23 season - will also be in attendance and will be the match ball sponsors for the day.

Kick-off at Veritas Park is at 3pm.  

The 2nd XV will travel to Bristol to face Old Reds 1st XV in their next clash.

‍