PLYMOUTH Albion boss Graham Dawe is hoping tonight’s development match against Exmouth at Brickfields does go ahead as planned so he can give some valuable game-time to a number of squad players (7.30pm).
Albion will hold a pitch inspection this lunchtime after heavy rain yesterday, but Dawe says the club will try their best to get the fixture on.
If it is played then the likes of Elliot Bale, Cameron Setter (pictured), Dan Pullinger, Gregory Sebastien, Robin Wedlake and Andy Chesters will all get a run out.
“Robin played on Saturday, but this is a chance to get an extra game and build confidence again after such a long-term injury,” said Albion’s director or rugby Dawe.
“There’s also a number of players who have spent time on the bench the last month and it is important they get a blow.”
Dawe added: “We’ve got a lot of shape and substance at half-back with Elliot and Cameron. I’m looking forward to seeing them go.”
There could be first team places up for grabs ahead of this Saturday’s trip to high-flying Hartpury College.
Albion are almost certainly going to have to change a winning team as hooker James Penman damage his calf against Loughborough Student at the weekend.
Lock Dan Collier could also be doubtful after picking up an infection in his hand, while prop Ollie Dawe missed training yesterday due to illness.
With Jake Murphy, Marc Koteczky, Tom Putt and Cameron Thompson also on the sidelines, Albion’s resources are being pushed at the moment.
Meanwhile, Albion will host a Plymouth Combination charity day at Brickfields on December 27.
The event will help raise money for Glynn Evans, Gerry Brown and the Paul Lethbridge Memorial fund.
The day is being supported by the Green Taveners, who will provide entertainment along with the Barnett Bros.
At 11am they will be an under-nine and under-11 tournament before the main match at 2.30pm between a Plymouth Combination Select and Plymouth Fiji Rugby.
Admission will be free, but there will be a charity collection. The club’s bars will also be open and there will be food.
Albion development team to face Exmouth: 15 Robin Wedlake, 14 Jordan Smith-Cronin, 13 George Hodgson, 12 Jon Dawe, 11 Ian Davidson, 10 Elliot Bale, 9 Cameron Setter, 1 Curtis Reynolds, 2 Dean Brooker, 3 Dan Pullinger, 4 Paul Hamber, 5 Shek Sherrif, 6 Gregory Sebastien, 7 Andy Chesters (capt), 8 Jim Massey. Reps: Rory Briers, Noah Nash, George Kilen, Jordan Shakespeare.