Match report by Rob Kershaw / Photography by David Cunningham
An exceptional solo try from Ben Parsons helped Plymouth Albion to a huge victory over the Tonbridge Juddians on what could be a pivotal day for Albion’s season.
The win lifts them level with Blackheath onto 48 points with a game in hand over them as they bid to escape the bottom three in National League 1.
The tension could be cut with a knife ahead of kick-off; everyone knew what a win would mean, and as the game got underway in slightly cold, damp conditions, Albion made a strong start to proceedings.
The home side asserted their dominance early, and secured a penalty try after Matthew Foulds got sent to the bin, but a remarkable turn of events saw the Juddians sprint straight down the other end and pull one back through Ryan Taylor-Dennehy, before Kyle McGhie slotted the conversion to restore parity.
A powerful catch and drive sent Albion back over the line shortly after, and Putt’s conversion sailed wide.
Both sides then exchanged a multitude of penalties, and Southworth was sent to the bin for 10 after multiple offences, but the hosts were soon able to regain control, and their admirable efforts earned them a try through Connor Eastgate, and Putt’s conversion was this time successful.
It was not long before George Mills was able to hustle his way over the line for the bonus point before half-time, but the conversion agonisingly struck the post and bounced away.
It was a phenomenal opening 40 minutes, and Albion then enjoyed an abundance of dominance early on in the second half, and Parsons, having stolen a pass inside his own half, sprinted all the way down to the other end of the pitch to put the fifth try on the board.
It looked as though the visitors would be in to pull another try back, but a high tackle by Eastgate saw him put on the sidelines for 10 minutes and, with the referee’s patience running thin, the Juddians were awarded a penalty try.
Putt gave Albion a little more breathing room with a penalty, but Kieran Sassone went over in the corner as McGhie slotted the conversion to make for a tense final 10 minutes.
Albion’s response was a calm one though, and they frustrated the away side, earning a couple of late turnovers to secure a huge five points.
Albion can now move at least four points clear of Blackheath with victory in all of their remaining four games, and Brickfields will play host to its final game of the season against Taunton in three weeks.
Line-ups:
Albion:
Connor Eastgate, Frank Nowell, Ben Parsons, Herbie Stupple, Alex Ducker, Tom Putt, Tom Cairns, Dan Pullinger, Jamie Salter, Ramaz Rukhadze, Dan Collier, Jake Clemson, Danny Southworth, George Mills, Torin Clarke
Replacements: Harry Wilkinson, Luke Chapman, James McFarlane
Tonbridge Juddians:
Ryan Taylor-Hennehy, Jack Lucas, Duncan Tout, Kyle McGhie, Hugo Watson, Harvey Young, Matthew Walsh, Alexander Reid, Michael O’Sullivan, Bobby Bratton, Tobias Freeman, Matthew Foulds, Ryan Jackson, Thomas Nicoll, Joseph Duffy
Replacements: Jack Whitmarsh, Kieran Sassone, Jake Hardcastle, Adam Hakimian, Joseph Bridger
