Albanians show no heed for speed

THIS high-scoring game proved at least one thing: there is no substitution for pace and Loughborough had it in abundance in their backline.

But nonetheless the Albanian forwards gained at least 60 per cent of the possession, which should have been quite enough to record their first victory in three weeks.

Yiannis Loizias showed speed and strength in the second minute wide on the left. OAs flanker Brian Tuilagi crashed over eight minutes later and the try was converted brilliantly by Ben Palmer. Joshua Sharp restored the visitors’ lead almost immediately with a penalty.

William Edwards increased the margin after a missed tackle, Sharp converting again. Austin Beckett crossed at the break and Sharp’s kick made it 7-22.

Alex Glixten found his way through the Loughborough defence five minutes after the restart, Palmer converting successfully but two Sharp penalties in this quarter put the match beyond the hosts.

Gair Currie widened the gap with ten minutes to go after a kick and chase. Jimmy Speirs’ effort and Tuilagi’s second, though converted with a wonderful drop goal from the touchline by Palmer, couldn’t quite close the gap.