Albion ready to take to the field after some gruelling fitness work

PLYMOUTH Albion hope this will be a very special year at the Brickfields in more ways than one. Not only do they harbour hopes of finally getting out of National One with promotion to the Championship, but they aim to do it in their 150th anniversary year

- writes Stuart James.

Today, the first step is taken towards gearing up for their National One campaign with a preseason friendly against Bridgend Ravens, a Welsh side that finished third in last season's Super Rygbi Cymru - and who beat Albion in the same fixture a year ago.

However, while this is Albion's first taste of match action, the players and coaching staff have been busy readying themselves for the long road ahead.