The small matter of the 750 mile round trip to the Brickfields Recreation Ground HQ of Plymouth Albion RFC this coming weekend, will be a consideration for all connections of DMPRFC. However, once base camp is established on Friday, then the attempt on the summit should be achievable by 3pm on Saturday.

DMPRFC take on a side that is furthest away for them in the league programme, safe in the knowledge that the trip last season was successful, with a 15 – 25 away victory there back in November 2015.

Similarly, then corresponding away fixture for Plymouth Albion RFC back in March of this year, held no fears for them, as they returned the victors with a winning 17 – 24 performance.

So, honours are even as DMPRFC approach the game, having won four of their previous encounters, losing only two games in the process.

Sitting just one place below DMPRFC in National League One, Plymouth Albion RFC have had identical success with their first six outings and only a superior points difference keeps DMPRFC ahead.

For the record, their games have gone as follows:
PARFC 23 v Cambridge RFC 18
Hartpury College RFC 37 v PARFC 14
PARFC 26 v Rosslyn Park RFC 20
Esher RFC 19 v PARFC 21
PARFC 40 v Old Albanians RFC 13
Fylde RFC 39 v PARFC 37

Their away loss last weekend on the Fylde coast was a high scoring affair, with the home side just pipping them at the death.

Their top points scorer is Kieran Hallett with 54 points in total.

Their top try scorer is shared between Herbie Stupple and Dan Williams, who have 3 tries apiece.

A change of personnel both on and off the pitch at the top is well documented and it is evident that the change has brought with it success in the games and they will be a difficult proposition, as every team in this league is on their own patch.

Accordingly, DMPRFC connections will be as determined and as focused as ever, as the league programme progresses.

The win at home last weekend was a positive response to the reversal at Rosslyn Park RFC the week previous and tries by Brandon STAPLES and Santi SOCINO (2), together with a 7-point contribution from Caolan RYAN, was enough to see off the challenge of Old Albanians RFC.

As the injury list mounts, the strength in depth of the team will be tested, as it was against OA’s when ex-skipper Gareth NESBITT was co-opted for a shift at the coalface and all are appreciative for his participation at such short notice.

Injuries to players, whether short or long term are unfortunately part and parcel of the physicality at this level of rugby.

It may be that other players are drafted into the squad from the Development XV or other players recruited, as both Danny BROWN and John NEWTON prepare for the game.
To those players injured, ie. Tom PUTT (shoulder), Ignis DARKINTIS (hand), Will MURRAY (dead leg) and Tom KILL (ankle) to name but four, a speedy return.