BRIDGWATER & Albion face their second tough match in eight days when they host leaders Exeter University in South West One (W) this Saturday.

Albion director of rugby Geoff Sluman said: “I thought our performance against Drybrook was very encouraging.

“We played really well and I thought we were a little unlucky to lose. 

“Our performance and the result is a demonstration of how much the squad has developed during the season. 

“When we hosted Drybrook back in October they ran out 37-8 winners, so a 12-5 loss at their ground is a huge improvement. 

“It was a huge performance by the guys that represented us, they gave it everything and played some excellent rugby.

“It is not to say we were pleased with the score. We were disappointed to have lost and that is an indication of how competitive we were against a team who are second in the league on their own ground.”

One doubt for Saturday’s game is Will Munro, who came off against Drybrook with a hamstring injury.

“Will did the right thing and came off straight away when he felt the injury,” Sluman said.

“You never know with a hamstring injury. It could be a few days and it could be a few weeks.”

“It is going to be another hard match for us, but we have no fears following the way we played against Drybrook.”

Albion are seventh in the table but are only one point behind the two next placed sides - Cullompton and Thornbury, who play each other on Saturday.

North Petherton, who picked up a valuable win at Matson last weekend, return to home soil as they welcome Newent.

The visitors are fourth, while Pethy pulled themselves away from danger with last Saturday's victory.

Bridgwater & Albion 2nds travel to Stothert & Pitt in Somerset Premier, while the 3rds host Castle Cary in Somerset Two South.

North Petherton 2nds are at Keynsham in Somerset One, while Morganians are without a game.