Match Preview: Tonbridge Juddians v Plymouth Albion
Plymouth Albion are back in action this weekend, travelling to the Kent countryside to face newly promoted Tonbridge Juddians.
It’s Albion’s seventh fixture of the season, and they’ll be looking to make it six wins from seven, continuing their exceptional start and strong league position.
The Opposition
Tonbridge Juddians earned promotion last season after an outstanding campaign in National League Two East, losing just four games all year – only one of which came at home.
This season, they’ve made a confident start to life in National One, claiming three wins from six, proving themselves to be the best of the newly promoted sides so far.
Their victories have been impressive:
- A 46–14 away win over Leicester Lions
- A 34–21 triumph at Dings Crusaders
- And a 31–17 home win over Birmingham Moseley
Even in defeat, they’ve shown quality – pushing early league leaders Rosslyn Park all the way in a narrow 29–22 loss.
However, last weekend saw them fall to a surprise 40–0 defeat against high-flying Blackheath, a result that will leave them eager to respond at home this Saturday.
Albion’s Momentum
Albion, meanwhile, have made a fantastic start to the season, combining attacking flair with consistency.
Following their narrow loss to Rosslyn Park two weeks ago, they produced a superb response at Brickfields against Dings Crusaders, running in ten tries on their way to a dominant 64–17 victory.
It was a complete team performance that left supporters thrilled – captain Jack Oulton led with authority, while number eight Ben Moa was unstoppable, making 17 carries and punching holes in the Dings defence throughout.
Kicker Frankie Dart was again in excellent form, keeping the scoreboard ticking with precision.
Head Coach Ryan Lamb praised the side’s resilience and focus, noting how the group continues to grow stronger each week.
Team News
Ryan Lamb has opted for continuity this week, making minimal changes to the side that impressed against Dings.
One notable addition is the inclusion of Nick Lilley, who joins on loan from Exeter Chiefs.
Lilley arrives with an impressive pedigree, having represented England U18, U19, and U20, as well as scoring for the Chiefs’ first team – becoming their youngest ever try scorer.
Albion Squad to Face Tonbridge Juddians:
- Jenson Boughton
- Harry Wilkinson
- Dan Pullinger
- Oscar Beckerleg
- Freddie Stevenson
- Joel Broadhurst
- Angus Hodges
- Ben Moa
- Jack Oulton (c)
- Iwan Jenkins
- Bobby Wigginton
- Harry Legg
- Oscar Stewart
- Shea Cornish
- Frankie Dart
Replacements:
16. Rhys Williams
17. Liam Bishop
18. Jago Sheppard
19. Nick Lilley
20. Archie Hall
From the Coach
“Tonbridge is a very difficult place to go to get a win. They’ve recruited very well and have some experienced players. We know we’ll have to be at the top of our game to get a result, but the guys have trained well and are looking forward to the challenge.”
— Ryan Lamb, Head Coach
Albion will be looking to carry their attacking momentum on the road and continue their push up the table.
With confidence high and the team hitting form, it promises to be another exciting weekend of rugby for the travelling Albion faithful.
