Albion Secure Maximum Points From Camborne Derby
Camborne 21 Plymouth Albion 32
Plymouth Albion continued their impressive start to the National 1 season with a controlled 32-21 victory over Camborne in front of a bumper crowd of 2,619 at the Recreation Ground.
Several hundred travelling Albion supporters made the journey across the Tamar for Camborne’s first-ever home fixture in the third tier, creating a superb atmosphere for the latest instalment of Cornwall against Devon.
Despite the occasion and a stop-start nature to the contest, Albion looked composed throughout. Ryan Lamb’s side established a 20-0 half-time advantage and remained in control despite a late response from the hosts, securing a second successive bonus-point victory on the road.
Harry Wilkinson continued his outstanding start to the campaign with another two tries, taking his tally to five in the opening two league games, while Noah Fenton also crossed twice.
First Half
Albion made the brighter start and were rewarded after seven minutes when Iwan Jenkins calmly converted a penalty from just outside the Camborne 22 to give the visitors an early 3-0 advantage.
The pressure continued and Camborne were reduced to 14 men shortly before the quarter-hour when Josh Matavesi was shown a yellow card for a late tackle.
Albion immediately capitalised.
From the resulting territory, the visitors went to their line-out and captain Huw Taylor powered over from close range to extend the advantage.
Camborne looked to play with ball in hand when opportunities arose, but Albion remained composed and continued to control proceedings.
On 27 minutes, Chris Preen opened up the Camborne defence and released Noah Fenton, who finished the opportunity to put further daylight between the sides.
One of Albion’s biggest strengths throughout the afternoon was their line-out, and it provided another reward shortly before half-time.
After an excellent 50/22 gave Albion another attacking opportunity, the visitors went back to their set-piece. A well-executed catch-and-drive ended with Wilkinson burrowing his way over for his fourth try of the season.
Albion headed into the changing rooms with a commanding 20-point advantage.
Half-time: Camborne 0 Plymouth Albion 20
Second Half
Camborne needed the opening score after the interval, but it was Albion who struck first.
Six minutes into the second half, a flowing move down the left opened up the home defence. The returning Frankie Dart was involved in the build-up before Fenton finished the move to claim his second try of the afternoon and secure Albion’s try bonus point.
For Dart, his involvement was another positive on an afternoon that marked his return to competitive action following the injury that had kept him sidelined since last season.
Camborne eventually found their way onto the scoreboard through prolific hooker Ben Priddey, who finished a catch-and-drive before Oliver Roberts added the conversion.
Albion, however, continued to find success through their own line-out.
On the hour mark, another well-worked attacking set-piece gave Wilkinson the opportunity to cross for his second of the afternoon and Albion’s fifth try.
There could have been more for the visitors.
Sam Daly crossed the line during the latter stages of the second half, only for the score to be ruled out for obstruction.
Camborne continued to battle and were rewarded with two late tries. Home Man of the Match Jordan Nicholls charged over on 74 minutes before Sam Matavesi scored from another line-out with the final play, Roberts converting both.
The late scores reduced the deficit, but Albion had already done the damage and closed out another valuable victory away from home.
Full-time: Camborne 21 Plymouth Albion 32
Five in Two for Wilkinson
Harry Wilkinson was named Nuffield Health Man of the Match after another influential performance in the Albion front row.
The hooker, sponsored by Princess Yachts, crossed twice and played the full 80 minutes, following his hat-trick against Rosslyn Park on the opening weekend.
That takes Wilkinson to an impressive five tries from Albion’s opening two National 1 fixtures.
There were positives throughout the side, including a strong performance from Cameron Doak on his first Albion start.
Albion’s line-out was also a major weapon throughout the afternoon, providing a consistent platform and playing a significant role in several of the visitors’ scores.
Post-Match
The result gives Albion maximum points from their opening two National 1 fixtures, with both victories coming away from Brickfields.
After beginning the campaign with a 61-17 victory at Rosslyn Park, Albion have now negotiated two very different away assignments and return to Plymouth with ten league points from a possible ten.
Head Coach Ryan Lamb was delighted with the way his side have started the new campaign.
“We’re delighted with the start to the season. To come away with maximum points from two games on the road, you can’t really ask for much more.”
Up Next
Now, attention finally turns to Brickfields.
Albion play their first home league fixture of the 2026/27 season next Saturday as newly promoted Sheffield make the journey to Plymouth.
After two bonus-point victories on the road, Albion will have the opportunity to continue their unbeaten start in front of the Brickfields crowd for the first time this National 1 campaign.
Plymouth Albion v Sheffield
Saturday 19 September
Brickfields
1500 kick-off
