Albion battle hard in the rain but Falcons reign supreme

Plymouth Albion 10 Newcastle Falcons 25

RFU Championship, Saturday 13th April

It was always going to be a tough game against a Newcastle side looking for their 21st win out of 21 games in the Championship this season, an extraordinary record. The Falcons achieved it despite awful conditions and some spritied play from Plymouth.

The game was close for much of the game, with Albion restricting the league's dominant side to three tries as heavy rain made the pitch waterlogged.

Ahead of the match, Albion's chairman Dr Graham Stirling issued a statement to announce the club's decision to observe a minute's silence in remembrance of Baroness Thatcher and supporter Maureen Finch.

Dr Stirling said: "As a mark of respect Plymouth Albion will hold a one minutes silence before today's match against the Newcastle Falcons in remembrance of Baroness Thatcher and Maureen French.

"We consider it is appropriate to recognise the outstanding contribution Baroness Thatcher made to our country during her term of office. We will also remember Maureen French who passed away on 20 March at Derriford hospital. Maureen was a dedicated supporter of Albion and with her husband Ron were founder members of the Plymouth Albion Supporters Travel Club that originated in Beacon Park."

Despite the conditions at Brickfields, Plymouth's final home game of the season and the efforts of the players provided a suitable home farewell to departing coach Nat Saumi who leaves the club at the end of the season. 

Albion's final game of the season is at Doncaster next Saturday.

For more information, visit the Plymouth Albion website.