The basics of Rugby haven’t really changed in the last half century and probably for much longer than that. If you have a pack of forwards with a size/weight advantage you are more likely to triumph since, with the possession equation running heavily in your favour, you will have far more opportunity to attack your opponents territory than they will enjoy over you.

This report might stop here and still make reasonable sense.

OAs were pushed around in the tight scrum and no amount of skill, courage or application would have done anything to put that right. All three of the above attributes were present in some measure on this miserable day in Kent but, short of ensuring there were no scrums (the biblical weather ensured this was not on the cards), the fact that Albanians held out for almost the entire first half was the most remarkable aspect of the match.

Tom White converted winger Bryan Hotston’s smart effort just before the break and OAs had the breeze at their backs going into the second period. This proved little comfort and TJs cruised to the bonus point with tries from Josh Grewcock, Jake Hardcastle and Charlie Self, White converting the lot and adding a penalty in the final minute.

The ubiquitous Sampson Adejimi, a veritable dynamo all afternoon, dotted down with eight minutes left.

Brian Quinn,

Roving Reporter