Tomorrow afternoon sees EURFC take on Plymouth Albion in a repeat of last season's pre-season encounter at Brickfields, that saw EURFC run out 41-21 victors.

Albion eventually secured an 11th place finish last season in National 1, as they secured a string of crucial results towards the end of the season and will no doubt still be smarting from last season's defeat to the university.

Fortress Topsham has not been breached in over two years of competitive rugby, so the heat is on, (quite literally,) tomorrow, as EURFC look to maintain their impressive home record.

Team News:

Keith Fleming makes several changes to the side that took on Guernsey Raiders last weekend, with Kian Gentry coming in for his first appearance of pre-season at outside centre. Hugo Hughes switches to the wing in place of Charlie Turner, whilst Tom Cairns starts at scrum-half. Cairns is part of the Exeter Chiefs setup and finished the last season on-loan at Albion in National 1. His knowledge of the Albion patterns of play could prove crucial.

Up front, Matt Cook replaces Milo Hallam, with Italian U20 captain Ross Vintcent starting at openside flanker, after an impressive performance off the bench against Guernsey.

Amongst the replacements, Oli Webb, Tom Harris and Ronan Kelly could all make their first appearances of the pre-season campaign.

Tomorrow's Opponents:

National 1 side Plymouth Albion will provide a stern test tomorrow afternoon, having selected a side that Head Coach Damian Welch has described as 'pretty close' to the side he will select for the opening game of their National 1 season next month.

On Wednesday night, a youthful Albion side secured a 34-26 victory over South West Premier side Okehampton in their first pre-season fixture, getting their pre-season campaign off to a positive start.

After a season of struggle last time out, there is fresh optimism this season for the Ocean City side, with a series of astute signings bolstering the ranks ahead of the new campaign.

Founded in 1876 by a group of Dockyard Apprentices, Albion have a rich rugby history. In 1905, they played host to the ‘Originals’ All Blacks side in front of 19,000 spectators.

At the turn of the century, Albion secured a National League record 41 consecutive victories, as they made their way up the league pyramid and into the Championship. (National 1 as it was then called.)

After moving to Brickfields in 2003, the club enjoyed thirteen seasons in the second division, before being relegated in 2015 after a series of financial issues.

Having been rescued by former players David Venables and Bruce Priday, Albion have now stabilised in National 1 over the last few seasons, as they look to rebuild and develop, with a focus on local talent coming through the ranks. After a trying season last time out, they will be aiming to propel themselves up the table this year.

Opposition Players to Watch:

Alex Ducker - Wing: With 18 tries to his name last season in National 1, Ducker will pose a considerable threat to EURFC's defence.

Tom Putt - Fly Half: Putt scored 161 points last season, to finish as Albion's top points scorer and the fifth highest points scorer in National 1. His metronomic boot will be crucial for Albion throughout the afternoon.

Getting Here:

Car: Topsham Sports Ground is located just outside of Topsham itself. If travelling from Plymouth, follow the A38 and pick up signs for the A379 to Topsham.

Parking: Limited parking is available at Topsham Sports Ground. Disabled parking is also available on-site.

Train: From Exeter St. Davids, connect onto any train to Exmouth, leaving the train at Topsham. The ground is approximately 10 minutes from the station by foot.

Matchday Facilities: An outdoor bar will be selling drinks throughout the match. No food will be available at the ground, although there is an ALDI a two-minute walk away.

Admission Fee: Entry to Topsham for tomorrow's match is FREE.