PLYMOUTH Albion’s new Australian full-back Ethan Ford has already fallen in love with playing at Brickfields.
The 23-year-old summer signing from Sydney-based club Randwick described the atmosphere at the ground as ‘amazing’ after making his league debut there last Saturday against Richmond.
Ford played a major role in helping Albion open their National One season with a 33-20 victory.
“I loved the crowd, they were amazing,” he said. “It was good. They were really passionate and it was good to play in front of. They help get you revved up.
“It’s good that we’ve got local people behind us.”
Ford said the atmosphere he experienced at Brickfields last Saturday was better than he is use to in Australia.
When asked how it compared to back home, he said: “You get your weeks here and there, but not as good as this. It was a good crowd and I hope they stick around for the season.
“Hopefully, we can keep putting ‘W’s up for them and keep giving them a good show.”
Ford was pleased Albion were able to get their season off to a winning start.
“It was good to get the win first up,” he said. “I think we played pretty good, considering in our trials we were a bit disjointed, although we played some good rugby in patches.
“But we put it all together in that first game, which is good.”
Albion’s defence stood out against Richmond and Ford said: “It has been a focus for the last three or four weeks, since we played Jersey. It’s come a long way since then and it looked pretty good.”
Ford could have possibly scored a try on his Albion debut after breaking through Richmond’s line in the first half, but he unselfishly off-loaded to his captain Jake Murphy, who went over the club’s first touch-down of the season.
“It was definitely on for him and a five pointer’s a five pointer no matter who scores it,” Ford. “All that matters is we get the win.”
Ford might not have got a try on his debut but he did get a yellow card for what the referee deemed a professional foul as Richmond attacked Albion’s line.
“I think I was a bit unlucky, to be honest,” he said. “I was definitely on my feet and I played the ball up, but the ref calls what he sees and you just have to go with it.”
Albion are back at Brickfields this Saturday when they host title favourites Rosslyn Park.
The south west London side have finished runners-up the past two seasons, losing just four games in each campaign.
“From what I’ve heard Rosslyn Park are going to be a top team this year,” said Ford. “It will be a good challenge for us second game out, but hopefully, maybe we can get another win.”