Albion 41-43 Chiefs
Saturday 23 August – Brickfields, 3:00pm KO
Plymouth Albion welcomed Exeter Chiefs U23s to Brickfields In front of 1153 fans for one of the most anticipated pre-season fixtures in years. With the sun shining and a vibrant atmosphere building, supporters were treated to a fast-paced contest that finished in dramatic fashion with Chiefs snatching a narrow 43–41 win.
Pre-Match Buzz
Head Coach Ryan Lamb named a strong side for the clash, acknowledging before kick-off:
“This will be a tough game and a real test for the boys, Chiefs have real quality.”
The excitement was clear from the moment gates opened at midday. Hundreds enjoyed the matchday experience, with the Stormforce Marquee hospitality in full swing for the first time this season. Among the guests were Exeter Chiefs Director of Rugby Rob Baxter and Albion Managing Director Max Venables, highlighting the importance of the occasion for both clubs.
Co-captain Jack Oulton also spoke before the game, saying:
“We have been working on the mistakes from last week and looking ahead to today’s fixture. They are a young team, they will move well and be a quick team. This should be a good test.”
By kick-off the stands were full, with Albion red and green mixing with Chiefs black and white in a lively derby-style atmosphere.
First Half
Exeter wasted no time in showing their intent, racing into a 12–0 lead with two quick tries, including one from Sol Moody.
Albion answered through the pack, hooker Harry Wilkinson powering over from a lineout drive to get the hosts on the scoreboard. That score ignited momentum, and soon after Wilkinson crossed for his second before co-captain Dan Pullinger added another. With the conversions landed, Albion stormed ahead 17–12.
The visitors responded before half-time with a converted try to edge back in front 19–17 at the break.
Second Half
The second half continued at pace. Bobby Wigginton dashed down the wing for an early try to put Albion ahead once more, only for Chiefs to reply with a converted effort of their own to lead 26–22.
Wilkinson then completed his hat-trick with another powerful finish, converted by Frankie Dart, before Kyle Spear and Wigginton (his second) extended Albion’s advantage to 41–33.
With ten minutes to play, the Brickfields crowd was in full voice, sensing a big win against top opposition.
Late Drama
Head Coach Ryan Lamb rotated the bench late on, giving key players like Oulton a well-earned rest. But Exeter refused to back down, clawing back with a penalty before breaking from halfway in the final play of the game to score under the posts. The conversion sealed a dramatic 43–41 victory for the Chiefs.
Reaction
Afterwards, Lamb said:
“It was never about the result, we needed to work on mistakes from last week and we did that well. We executed set pieces well. We got a little disjointed at times but I can’t fault the effort. Harry Wilkinson had a great game but to be fair the whole front row really performed.”
Hat-trick hero Harry Wilkinson added:
“It was a positive game for us, we have been working hard all pre-season and we will continue to do so. Friday night we take on St Austell so are looking for more of the same.”
Final Word
Albion may have fallen just short on the scoreboard, but they can take great pride from a thrilling contest that showed progress, physicality, and creativity against one of the most talented young squads in English rugby.
Next up, Albion face St Austell on Friday night as pre-season preparations continue. You can watch full extended highlights by clicking here.
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