Plymouth Albion 24–14 Sale FC
National League One
Brickfields Recreation Ground
Plymouth Albion extended their winning run to four matches with a hard-fought 24–14 victory over fellow promotion contenders Sale FC in their final home fixture of 2025. The result ensured Albion ended the calendar year with a perfect home record, recording six wins from six at Brickfields, while also bringing Sale’s four-game winning streak to an abrupt end.
First Half
Plymouth began the contest on the front foot, capitalising on an early Sale error from the kick-off to establish momentum and build phase play. The early pressure was rewarded when a penalty allowed Iwan Jenkins to open the scoring within the first few minutes.
Sale responded almost immediately, generating an attacking base with their maul before moving the ball sharply through the backs. Fly-half Fergus Mulchrone found his inside centre, who released the blind-side winger before the ball found its way into the hands of Freddie Reader. The winger’s silky footwork saw him glide over for the game’s opening try, which Mulchrone expertly converted from the touchline.
The visitors struck again soon after with another impressive score. Following a series of pick-and-goes, Plymouth secured a turnover close to their own line, but the ensuing box kick failed to reach touch, inviting further pressure. Sale once again utilised their ability to disguise strike runners out the back of their attacking line, creating a second wave of attack at pace and exploiting Plymouth’s defensive line. This led to Reader finding space to grubber the ball through, regather and score his second try in quick succession.
Shortly after Reader’s try, the contest lost a degree of fluency, as a series of unforced errors stalled momentum for both sides. Sale’s discipline faded, allowing Albion to take advantage. A penalty was kicked to the corner and set into a maul before the ball was spun wide to Archie Hill. Running a powerful crash-ball line, Hill bounced off two Sale defenders to score under the posts. Jenkins converted to bring Plymouth closer.
A sensational 50:22 from Jenkins allowed Albion to increase the pressure on a Sale defence struggling to keep their penalty count down. From a pinpoint lineout throw from Harry Wilkinson, Plymouth set up a driving maul which inched forward agonisingly before co-captain Jack Oulton dotted the ball down to restore the hosts’ lead.
Sale threatened to hit back just before the break, ripping the ball from an unsuspecting Albion player and spreading it wide in search of danger man Freddie Reader and a potential hat-trick. The winger stepped outside to beat Bobby Wigginton, who somehow managed to bring down his opposite man before winning a crucial penalty at the breakdown. Sale lock Pete Vickers was shown a yellow card on the stroke of half-time, as Plymouth Albion went into the interval leading 17–14.
Second Half
Sale emerged from the break the stronger of the two teams, their pack powering deep into the Plymouth 22. Within two metres of the try-line, a knock-on halted their progress. The next quarter of the contest became a test of nerve and discipline rather than flair, as both sides exchanged errors and territory without altering the scoreboard.
Sale enjoyed much of the possession during this period but were unable to breach Plymouth Albion’s stubborn defence. When winger Harry Davey looked certain to score after finding space out wide, Albion’s Archie Hill produced a vital tackle to take him into touch.
After 25 minutes of the second half, the hosts finally relieved the pressure and made it count immediately. Ben Moa broke through the Sale line before fixing the full-back and releasing Angus Hodges, who dived over in emphatic style to give Albion a two-score cushion. Jenkins added the extras to make it 24–14.
Sale showed late intent, but Albion’s defence stood firm. Substitute Ben Raivalitia reacted quickly to pounce on a bouncing ball in the in-goal area following another probing grubber. With time expired, Sale won a scrum penalty and opted to secure a losing bonus point, but a rare miss meant they left Devon empty-handed as the match ended 24–14.
Post-Match
Man of the Match Angus Hodges reflected on his swan-dive for the try that sealed victory:
“I knew it was a big moment. I thought I had to do something special to please the wonderful crowd we have here.”
Up Next
Plymouth Albion travel to Clifton for their final game of the calendar year next Saturday, looking to maintain their impressive form and cement their place near the top of the table heading into the new year. You can join ALbion fans at Brickfields for this as we live stream from the Stormforce Marquee. Information can be found here.
Tickets for upcoming home fixtures are available at plymouthalbion.com. Supporters are encouraged to book online in advance.
50/50 numbers 1st 50880 – 2nd 50335
