Encouraging Albion Show Character in Pre-Season Opener Against Pirates
Plymouth Albion gave an encouraging account of themselves in their opening pre-season fixture on Saturday afternoon, going toe-to-toe with Championship side Cornish Pirates in a high-octane 35-21 defeat at Brickfields.
In front of a vocal crowd of nearly 2,000 supporters, Albion set a ferocious pace early on, dominating both possession and territory. The home side’s relentless pressure inside the Pirates’ 22 forced a flurry of penalties, eventually earning the visitors a yellow card. Albion immediately made the extra man count as Harry Wilkinson crashed over from close range, with fly-half Iwan Jenkins adding the extras.
The home side continued to press and were rewarded when birthday boy Morgan Eames acrobatically leapt over his defender to double the lead, Jenkins again converting cleanly.
However, despite being pinned deep for long stretches, the Pirates demonstrated their higher-tier clinical edge. In a sucker-punch finish to the half, late tries from Henry Palmer and Arwel Robson brought the visitors level at 14-14 at the interval.
The Cornish side carried that momentum into the second half. Palmer struck twice in rapid succession, first finishing off a sharp line break before crossing again minutes later to turn the game on its head.
Albion refused to lie down and mounted a sustained siege on the Pirates’ line, but small errors in the final 10 metres proved costly. The killer blow came against the run of play when an intercepted kick was gathered deep in Pirates territory and run the full length by Gus Mawson.
Newly appointed captain Huw Taylor gave the home faithful the final word, powering over after a relentless forward drive, with Jenkins maintaining his flawless afternoon off the tee.
While the scoreboard favoured the Championship outfit, Albion took immense heart from the performance, particularly after losing scrum-half Jack Oulton to an early injury. Number 8 Ben Moa, Eames and Taylor were outstanding throughout, with Man of the Match Sam Daly putting in a tireless shift on a positive afternoon for Albion in the sun.
Sam Daly’s tireless performance was recognised as he was named the Nuffield Health Man of the Match, following an impressive display throughout the afternoon.
Up Next
Albion are back at Brickfields on Wednesday 26 August as preparations for the new National 1 season continue against Exeter University.
Gates open at 1700, with kick-off at 1930. Secure your tickets here.
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