BBC Sportrugbyunion

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Related BBC sites

Page last updated at 15:27 GMT, Thursday, 1 October 2009 16:27 UK

Geoff Griffiths column


Plymouth Albion full-back

Geoff Griffiths
The Pirates have had a great start to the season so will undoubtedly come into the game full of confidence

From one local derby to another.

Saturday saw a much improved performance against Exeter at Sandy Park which left a strange atmosphere after the game.

We knew we had played well - a marked improvement on the Bedford game - but we had not quite managed the win that I think we all felt we deserved.

A couple of mistakes let them back in to the game, and being the clinical side they are, Exeter took advantage.

Having said that, it is good to take something from any game and a bonus point gives us something tangible to go away with.

Aside from that, we were much happier as a whole with our attacking shape and balance and the way we competed at the break-down.

We will be looking to take these positives forward in to the coming weekend against the Cornish Pirates.

Last year's clash at Brickfields was up there with one of the best games of rugby I have ever been involved with.

We put in a great performance and won which obviously helps, but for me the atmosphere of the game was just fantastic.

Whereas with the Devon derby there seems to be a bit of an "edge" between players and supporters, the fans that attend the Devon/Cornwall derby seem to be united by a love of rugby and, equally importantly, banter.

I remember running out into the most raucous atmosphere where everyone seemed to be having a great time and am thoroughly looking forward to experiencing that atmosphere again this weekend.

The Pirates have had a great start to the season having won all four of their games, so will undoubtedly come into the game full of confidence and looking to further that record.

As for Albion, we will be in a positive frame of mind after last week's performance and will be looking to build on the momentum we created at Sandy Park.

It should be a great match-up with a great atmosphere and I'm thoroughly looking forward to it.



Print Sponsor


see also
Geoff Griffiths column
24 Sep 09 |  Rugby Union
Geoff Griffiths column
11 Sep 09 |  Rugby Union
Exeter 30-24 Plymouth
26 Sep 09 |  English
Plymouth Albion 33-10 Birmingham
05 Sep 09 |  English
Dawe uncertain over new Championship
03 Sep 09 |  English


related bbc links:

related internet links:
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites