Today’s Match report powered by Relationships Plymouth.
Albion march on with 11th straight victory to keep heat on leaders
Plymouth Albion produced another statement of intent in the National One title race as they
secured a hard-earned 27-20 victory over Birmingham Moseley on Saturday afternoon.
The 11th successive win for Albion keeps the Devon side firmly in the slipstream of Rotherham
Titans, who remain just a single point clear at the summit. With the season entering its decisive
stretch, the pressure shows no sign of easing.
Played under late winter skies at Moseley’s home ground, the contest was tight, physical and at
times nervy – exactly the sort of examination promotion-chasing sides must pass. Albion did not
always have things their own way, but once again they demonstrated resilience, control and a
clinical edge when it mattered most.
Albion struck first inside 17 minutes. After sustained pressure and a series of probing carries,
Ben Moa crossed for the opening try. Although Iwan Jenkins was unable to convert, the
early breakthrough settled any travelling nerves.
Jenkins soon made amends from the tee, slotting a 22nd-minute penalty to extend Albion’s lead
and reward further territorial dominance.
Moseley responded midway through the half when Ben Pogson finished a well-worked move,
and Jack Jolly’s conversion brought the hosts back within touching distance at 8–7. The home
crowd sensed an opportunity to halt Albion’s relentless run.
But the visitors finished the half the stronger. A try from Oscar Stewart on 37 minutes, forcing their way over after
patient phase play, restored breathing space, and when Iwan Jenkins converted the extra two,
Albion went into the interval 15–7 in front.
At that stage, the table’s second-placed side looked composed, if not yet fully in control.
However, the next twenty minutes proved to be the sternest test of Albion’s afternoon.
Jolly reduced the deficit with an early penalty, however, Noah Fenton on his debut crossed the line for Albion
on 55 minutes, restoring Albion’s lead. Jenkins’ missed conversion kept Moseley’s advantage
within reach, but momentum seemed to be hanging in the balance.
The hosts managed another try shortly after the hour mark when replacement Samuel McNulty
powered over, Jolly adding the extras to give Moseley more than a fighting chance of causing
an upset, with the score now at 20-17.
For a few minutes, Albion’s remarkable winning run hung in the balance. Title-chasing sides,
however, tend to find a way. With just ten minutes remaining, Albion struck with what proved to
be the decisive score. Ben Moa, Albion’s trusty number 8, a constant physical presence
throughout the game and indeed the season, crashed over on 70 minutes to silence the home
support. This time Jenkins made no mistake from the tee, nudging Albion back in front at 27-17.It was a pivotal moment. Having absorbed Moseley’s best spell of the afternoon, Albion had
regained control when it mattered most.
The closing stages were tense, with both sides emptying their benches in search of impact.
Albion’s defensive line held firm, repeatedly repelling Moseley attacks and forcing errors in
contact.
A late penalty to the hosts on 80 minutes closed the gap to 27-20, but Thomas Taylor’s kick
proved to be just a consolation score. When the final whistle sounded, the travelling contingent
celebrated another significant step in what is fast becoming a gripping title chase.
For the Plymouth-based side intent on promotion, this was arguably as important as any of the
more expansive victories during the current streak so far.
Moseley, sitting mid-table, may not boast the consistency of the league’s frontrunners, but on
their own turf they are capable of unsettling any opponent. Albion were made to work for every
point.
What continues to impress is the squad’s ability to respond under pressure. Having seen their
half-time advantage reduced and then almost overturned, there was no panic. Instead, Albion
trusted their structure, leaned on their forward power and executed in the decisive moments.
The bench also played its part, with fresh legs contributing in the final stages of the game as the
contest tightened.
Now unbeaten in 11 matches, Albion have built not only momentum but belief. Week after week
they are answering different questions, from grinding out narrow wins, to overcoming
second-half deficits, and doing so with the composure of genuine contenders.
With National One entering its final phase, the mathematics are simple: keep winning and keep
the pressure squarely on Rotherham.
Albion’s tally of 27 points on the road underlines their travelling strength, while conceding just 20
against a fired-up Moseley side speaks to their defensive steel when required.
There will be sterner examinations to come, but as February turns towards March, the mood
around Brickfields, and among the travelling support, will be one of quiet confidence.
Eleven straight victories. Just one point separating Albion from top spot and a title race very
much alive.
If Saturday’s performance showed anything, it is that this Plymouth side are not going away.
Tickets for Albions next home game are available here, you won’t want to miss this one!
