Dings Crusaders make the trip to Devon for the final fixture before the league break.

Plymouth Albion return to Brickfields this Saturday looking to extend their unbeaten start to the National 1 season as Dings Crusaders make the trip to Devon for the final fixture before the league break.

Six matches into the campaign, Ryan Lamb’s side have enjoyed an outstanding opening block of rugby, securing six consecutive bonus-point victories and collecting the maximum 30 league points available.

Last weekend’s victory away at Sale FC was another significant result against one of the division’s established contenders, following the extraordinary 102-0 victory over Cambridge at Brickfields.

However, Saturday presents another challenge against a Dings Crusaders side whose attacking record suggests they are considerably more dangerous than their league position might indicate.

Dings Crusaders arrive at Brickfields with one victory, one draw and four defeats from their opening six National 1 fixtures. While that record may suggest a difficult start to the campaign, their performances tell a very different story.

Dings have been involved in some of the division’s highest-scoring encounters, demonstrating an ability to trouble even the strongest opposition. Their only victory came in a remarkable 68-47 contest against Bury St Edmunds, while they also secured a 24-24 draw against Rams. But across the six fixtures, Dings have scored 238 points, averaging almost 40 points per match. It is an impressive attacking return for a side that has collected just one league victory.

While Albion’s attacking performances have attracted plenty of attention during the opening weeks, their defensive record has been equally important. One of the most impressive statistics from the opening six matches is that no opposition side has secured a try-scoring bonus point against Albion.

Maintaining that record heading into the league break would represent another significant achievement for Lamb’s side. But Albion’s opening six fixtures have provided plenty of reasons for optimism. From physical contests and difficult away journeys to matches where Albion have been able to express themselves with ball in hand, the squad has continued to find ways to deliver results.

Albion make changes to their starting lineup for Saturday’s encounter, with injuries to Sam Daly and Oscar Stewart creating opportunities elsewhere in the squad. Both players are unavailable after sustaining knocks during last weekend’s victory over Sale.

One of the most significant selections sees Ben Moa named at number eight for what will be his 50th appearance in Plymouth Albion colours.

It is an important milestone for Moa, who has become a valuable member of the squad and will be looking to mark the occasion with another strong performance. In the front row, James Kenny and Harry Wilkinson continue alongside co-captain Dan Pullinger.

Morgan Eames and captain Huw Taylor form the second row, with Jake Clemson and Jarrard Hayler joining Moa in the back row. Co-captain Jack Oulton retains his place at scrum-half alongside Iwan Jenkins, who continues at fly-half following his return to the starting side against Sale.

There is a change in midfield, with Archie Hill moving into the number 12 shirt alongside Chris Preen. Noah Fenton and Bobby Wigginton continue on the wings, while Frankie Dart retains his place at full-back.