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Saturday, June 14, 2008, 09:00
Admirals, despite putting up a tough display in each match-up, failed to beat Sharks in three tries last season.
But the Plymouth outfit, desperate to record their second victory of 2008, are growing in confidence after a brave show against South West Division Two leaders South Wales Warriors.
Sharks, formed last season, have not played since May 17.
Their game last week against Reading Renegades was called off.
Admirals are coming off a hard two-game stretch.
Plymouth coach Steve Perry said that could be an advantage for his team.
“There are two schools of thought about this,” said Perry.
“On one hand, the Sharks will be well rested, injuries will have healed, and they've had four weeks to work on this game.
“I know they were disappointed when Reading cancelled on them, and I'm sure they would have got a good result, but that wasn't to be.
“However, we're coming off two games where we've improved tremendously, so we are building momentum.
“Certain players are really coming into form right now, so this could be a good time to face a very challenging opponent like the Sharks.”
Perry said both teams would go into the match with similar records.
He said: “It's a finely balanced game for sure, and our results this season have been very similar up to now.
“Both teams have lost heavily to Hampshire, and then comfortably beaten Reading followed by narrow losses to South Wales.”
Good news for Perry is that linebacker Ross O'Reilly should finally see his first action in Admirals green after his expected return last Sunday was thwarted by car problems.
With versatile defender Nick Pook forced out of the Warriors game early with a sprained ankle, O'Reilly's arrival could prove priceless if Pook fails to recover.
Club captain and offensive lineman Mel German said: “With Newquay just up the road, this is the least disruptive away trip for the team this season.
“A majority of the squad will be leaving their homes at the same time as they would for a game in Plymouth.
“That's quite a contrast to the other away trips we have this year, when we're up at the crack of dawn.”
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