Old Albanian Rugby Club’s first visit to Birmingham Moseley saw them run in fives tries – but it wasn’t enough to prevent the hosts picking up a 56-33 win.

It was the most points conceded by the hosts this season but despite the improved performance of Billy Johnson’s men in the second half, the game was already over.

OAs trailed 42-7 at the interval and the score seemed to be the harbinger of a complete catastrophe for Albanians.

With six tries already in the bag, Moseley had no reason think their scoring harvest would not continue through the second period.

Yet two minutes later OAs had two more converted tries to add to Craig Dowsett’s first half effort leaving some to wonder how this had all happened.

It would be easy to say that the visitors had not left the coach for the first 40 minutes but that would be less than truthful.

What actually happened was that Albanian were subjected to a demonstration of communication and support play unequalled this year.

Once more the scrum and line-out went well but in broken play and in outright attack Albanians played second fiddle for the first half.

Almost every Moseley assault, forward or back, was carried out with gusto and attended by support players who demanded the ball at the point of contact. There was no magic, just a simple, brilliant plan carried out expertly and very quickly.

The lesson was learned and immediately after the restart OAs considered they were back in the contest for certainly they exhibited a much greater impetus.

Two further tries each were scored by both sides before the end and this at least demonstrated there were two attacking sides on the park.

OAs head coach James Shanahan was very proud of his side’s late comeback and disappointed with the lack of application at the start.

“We could have been much closer if we’d started properly,” he said. “The second half performance proved that.”

Macclesfield have not had the brightest of starts so far and they visit Woollams next week.

Opponents are most dangerous when they’re suffering so Billy Johnson’s men will need to be at the top of their game.

Kick-off is at 3pm.