Leeds 12-45 Albion.
Saturday 6 September – The Sycamores, West Yorkshire
Plymouth Albion headed north for their season opener on Saturday afternoon, with plenty of expectation and an eagerness to not only impress, but make an early statement to the rest of the league, showing their intentions moving forward.
Newly promoted Leeds Tykes were the opposition, a team also brimming with confidence having been promoted from National Two North, finishing dominantly in first place whilst boasting an unbeaten record at home in The Sycamores. They too were looking to get their season off to a good start and continue their impressive record from last season.
If past meetings between the two sides were anything to go by, Leeds had just cause to feel optimistic about their chances, having won ten of their last seventeen encounters. However, on an overcast Saturday afternoon in West Yorkshire, with the sun beginning to fade, it would be Albion who kicked off the new season with newfound optimism.
First Half
The match officials got the game underway and Albion switched on immediately, focusing on the Leeds twenty-two and driving closer and closer to the home side’s try line. They poured on instant pressure and were rewarded after just six minutes when inside centre Archie Hill crashed over the line to secure the first five points of the game. Frankie Dart added the two-point conversion moments later, making it 7–0.
This was the beginning of a cascade of Albion pressure, as they relentlessly mauled and attacked their way forward, setting up camp deep in the Leeds twenty-two. Nineteen minutes into the game, Bobby Wigginton broke free and raced over the line for Albion’s second try of the game. Dart again slotted the extras, taking the score to 14–0.
Albion were not done there. They turned up the heat on the home team once more and, with six minutes remaining in the first half, managed two further tries. Scrum-half Jack Oulton dotted down from close range before Jenson Boughton thundered over the line. Dart converted both scores, taking his tally to four successful kicks from four.
It was an impressive first half of Albion dominance, and both teams headed to the dressing rooms with the score 28–0.
Second Half
The second half began in a different manner. Having been under the cosh for forty minutes, Leeds burst out of the blocks with newfound intent. They crossed the line after just three minutes of the restart, looking to change the narrative and spark a comeback. The conversion was missed, but Leeds were on the board at 28–5.
Albion’s defensive sets, however, stood firm. Not only did they repel Leeds’ pressure on their own line, but they turned the tide again, forcing the home side back. Substitutions followed, with Charlie Bell, Morgan Stone, and Liam Bishop all making an impact and adding to the away side’s pressure.
That pressure was rewarded in the sixtieth minute when number 8 Ben Moa broke free from the pack for Albion’s fifth try. Dart added the conversion, stretching the lead to 35–5. Four minutes later, Dart himself sprinted over the try line to score Albion’s sixth try, though this time he missed the conversion from a tricky angle.
With the game all but won, Albion made further changes as they entered the last ten minutes. There was still time for one more try when Morgan Stone wriggled over with nine minutes to go. Replacement kicker Iwan Jenkins was unable to add the extras from out wide.
Leeds managed one final consolation try and conversion in the dying seconds, but Albion celebrated the final whistle with the scoreboard reading 45–12. Ben Moa was named Man of the Match for his impressive contribution.
Reaction
Albion Coach Ryan Lamb was impressed with his side’s performance, saying:
“Really good start from the lads. I thought we were really clinical and won the big moments early on. Obviously just the first game, but a great game to build from.”
Saturday 13 September – Brickfields, 3:00pm KO
It’s now time for Plymouth Albion to set sights on their first home game of the new season, and it promises to be another action-packed afternoon at Brickfields.
After a strong start on the road, Albion return to Brickfields looking to carry momentum into their National League 1 campaign. The visitors, Clifton, will provide a stern test, and supporters can expect another fiercely contested encounter.
With plenty of new faces in the squad and Brickfields buzzing for the season ahead, this fixture is set to be the perfect way to kick off the home calendar.
Tickets are available now and can be purchased online in advance.
Pablo Cheeks
