Plymouth Albion hosting Rosslyn Park in National League One season finale

I can’t believe we are finally here, the season finale for Albion. After 26 games, 2,080 minutes (give or take), a few nasty injuries, and a HUGE amount of rain, we are completing the 2023/24 season after this weekend.

Highlight of the season? Being top of National League One for one-week in November! Low point of the season? The rain, although not sure I have mentioned it enough in my columns.

Regardless of results we’ve had, we have seen our team and players develop into something special this season. Despite injuries and losses, the boys have fought back with courage and determination which is all that you can ask for from such a young team.

This mentality is exactly what we at Plymouth Albion are setting out to achieve, as well as developing a place which attracts promising young players to come, not just for monetary value, but for lifestyle and comradery.

Within Devon and Cornwall there is a huge amount of untapped potential within rugby, but most of the time, without the necessary lines in which to grow these players are missed. When putting together the squad, board members and coaching staff look at all levels of rugby within the south-west to find talent that can be harvested and nurtured. I can’t wait to see what next season brings.

Last Saturday we had some brilliant rugby and weather at The Brickfields. Once again, the Inter Services Championship did not disappoint, and we were entertained all afternoon by both the men and the women’s Navy and RAF teams.

The Navy men narrowly beat the RAF 25-24 and the RAF women convincingly beat the Navy women 34-12. It was brilliant to see some old, as well as current, faces back at the Brickfields, with Sam Matavesi, Seta Raumakita, Craig Duncan, Jordan Gott, Jesse Lowe, Kye Beasley and Jaryd Hayler all on the pitch for the Navy. Sam even showed us why he is a Premiership and international player with a phenomenal chip-chase try in the first half.

With over 2,000 spectators in attendance, the atmosphere was electric and we are hoping for more of the same this Saturday against Rosslyn Park when we host a party on the pitch after the match to celebrate a successful season.

Before I leave you for another week, I wanted to mention once again our End of Season awards on May 4. Tickets are selling fast, so I didn’t want any of you to miss out!

My columns may not be as regular as the season draws to a close, but I will be sure to keep you as updated as possible my friends. Until next time, Stay Safe. Ellie.