Albion Power On at the Summit After Statement Win at Leicester
Plymouth Albion continued their impressive charge at the top of National League One with a commanding 47–17 victory away to Leicester Lions, extending their winning run to seven matches and ensuring they remain top of the league. A ruthless first-half display laid the foundations for another significant result, as Albion combined set-piece authority with clinical finishing to underline their promotion credentials.
The afternoon did not begin entirely to script for the league leaders, with Leicester striking first inside two minutes through Joseph Plunkett. Jack Oulton also made a heroic tackle to stop a potential second try moments later. Albion, however, regrouped and responded calmly and decisively, quickly reasserting control and demonstrating the composure that has characterised their recent run of form.
That response came on 12 minutes when sustained pressure close to the hosts’ line resulted in a try for Joseph Bailey. Albion’s forwards had done the hard work, recycling possession and forcing Leicester backwards, before Bailey powered through to level the scores. Iwan Jenkins added the conversion a minute later, nudging Albion ahead and setting the tone for what was to follow.
Albion’s dominance began to tell more clearly as the half progressed. Leicester briefly regained the lead when Plunkett crossed again on 17 minutes, but that moment proved to be the home side’s last significant success before the interval. Albion responded with an emphatic spell that effectively decided the contest before half-time.
Jack Oulton’s try on 28 minutes marked the start of Albion’s surge. A period of pressure and accurate execution, along with Oulton’s trademark run, allowed the scrum-half space to finish well, with Jenkins again converting to swing momentum firmly back in Plymouth’s favour. Just two minutes later, Louis Gulley crossed for Albion’s fourth try, capitalising on another incisive attacking phase that stretched the Lions’ defence. Jenkins maintained his perfect record from the tee to extend the lead.
The visitors were relentless. On the stroke of half-time, Gulley added his second try of the afternoon, punishing a tiring Leicester side that struggled to contain Albion’s pace and precision. Jenkins converted once more and, although Leicester managed a late conversion through William Roberts, Albion headed into the break with a commanding 35–12 advantage that reflected their control in all areas.
Any hopes of a Leicester revival were quickly extinguished after the restart. Albion struck again just three minutes into the second half when Oulton crossed for his second try of the match, compounding the pressure on the hosts. Moments later, the scrum-half departed to warm applause from the travelling support, replaced by Morgan Stone, who wasted little time in making his presence felt.
Stone announced himself emphatically on 45 minutes, crossing for Albion’s seventh try after a sharp attacking move that exploited space out wide. Jenkins added the conversion to push the scoreline further beyond Leicester’s reach. The contest then settled into a more fractured rhythm, punctuated by substitutions and penalties, but Albion remained firmly in control.
The visitors’ depth continued to show as the second half wore on. Stone struck again on 58 minutes, completing a well-taken brace and reinforcing Albion’s ability to maintain intensity despite personnel changes. Jenkins converted to bring up Albion’s half-century in points, underlining the scale of the performance.
Leicester enjoyed sporadic periods of possession in the final quarter and were eventually rewarded with a late try on 78 minutes, offering some consolation to the home crowd. Albion, however, managed the closing stages professionally, ensuring there would be no late drama and that they would return to Devon with maximum points once again, with skipper Dan Pullinger being named Man of the Match for his epic contributions.
Beyond the scoreboard, this was another performance that highlighted why Albion currently set the pace in National League One. Their ability to absorb early pressure, regain control, and then apply sustained intensity has been a defining feature of their seven-match winning streak. The balance between attacking ambition and defensive organisation continues to serve them well as the season moves into its decisive phase.
Remaining top of the league after this round of fixtures is no small achievement in a division renowned for its competitiveness. Albion’s consistency has given them a narrow but crucial edge over their closest rivals, and results like this, achieved away from home against a side capable of punishing mistakes, only strengthen belief within the squad.
With momentum firmly on their side, Albion now turn their attention to the next challenge, Roslyn Park at Brickfields this coming Saturday, knowing that every performance will be scrutinised as the title race intensifies. If they continue to combine efficiency, depth, and resilience in the manner shown at Leicester, their grip on top spot will be difficult to loosen. A 3pm kick-off on Saturday afternoon offers a showdown between two teams firmly in the promotion race, with Albion looking to exact revenge after their earlier-season defeat away at Roslyn Park. The home supporters will need to be in good voice to help solidify the fortress that is Brickfields.
Don’t forget to secure your tickets for Albions next home game as we take on Rosslyn Park here at Brickfields. Tickets Available here!
