Match Report sponsored by Relationships Plymouth.
Albion Dominate Rams in Convincing 34–15 Victory
In a compelling afternoon of National League One rugby, Plymouth Albion delivered a polished and authoritative performance to beat the Rams 34–15, cementing their ambitions for a top-four finish. The visitors never looked back after a strong start, as Albion’s forward power and slick back-line interplay overpowered their hosts.
First Half
Rams made the better start, getting off the mark quickly. After two minutes Oliver Rhoads dashed over the line for the first points of the game, giving the home side a 5–0 lead. Albion then asserted themselves. From the restart Albion showed a hunger and accuracy that set the tone for the remainder of the half. They dominated for the next fifteen minutes, with well-drilled mauls giving them a foothold in Rams’ twenty-two. Scrum-half Iwan Jenkins was already orchestrating smart pick-and-go decisions and distributing the ball with precision. Rams did respond to the pressure with bursts of energy from their young back row, seeking to unsettle the Albion pack. However, indiscipline proved costly for Rams and the hosts conceded two penalties in quick succession, one of which Frankie Dart slotted home for three points to make it 5–3, and Albion were off the mark.
Moments later Jenkins broke through at pace after a series of pick-and-go plays, then fed Shea Cornish on the outside for the first Albion try, making the score 8–5.
Albion then extended their lead ten minutes later, through yet more brilliance from Jenkins as he wriggled free to sprint over the line, followed by Frankie Dart making his second kick of the game. This would be the last meaningful exchange of the half, Albion going into the dressing room with the upper hand and a 15–5 lead.
Second Half
The second half opened in much the same vein as the first with Albion aggressive and direct and Rams probing but often thwarted. Within five minutes of the restart Albion’s maul, a recurring weapon all afternoon, drove them over again for a third try. Jenkins, pivotal in the build-up, managed to get across the line for his second try of the game, followed again by a two-point conversion from Dart. The lead now 22–5.
Then Rams, refusing to lie down, mounted a period of pressure in the Albion twenty-two. Albion’s defensive line, however, held firm and saw off every challenge. Then it was Albion’s turn to pressure the home side. They relentlessly pushed the Rams back deep inside their own twenty-two and their persistence was rewarded when Joel Broadhurst broke a few tackles and reached over the line for yet another Albion try. A rare miss from Dart kept the score at 27–5, an impressive lead for the visitors.
Five minutes later Rams showed signs of life and the faint hint of a comeback suddenly seemed possible, when Oliver Rhoads worked himself free for a try for the home side, closing the gap to 27–10. However, Albion had been clinical all afternoon and with great ball movement initiated by Jenkins, they swung the ball wide after a sustained attack to find Shea Cornish for his second try of the game. Jenkins then added the extra two, crushing any hope the home team had of a comeback, with the lead now 34–10.
Rams did manage a final conversion, another try for Rhoads in the dying minutes. Final score: Albion 34, Rams 15.
Man of the Match: Iwan Jenkins
It was a thoroughly deserved Man of the Match award for Iwan Jenkins, whose influence was felt across the pitch. His composure under pressure gave Albion the platform they needed to get a valuable win in a genuine “six-pointer.”
For Plymouth Albion, today’s win is more than just five points, it’s also a statement of intent. Their cohesion was on full display, and their ability to execute under pressure bodes well as they push for promotion or a top-four finish. In the end, Plymouth Albion earned this one through control, cohesion, and composure. A standout performance from Iwan Jenkins, coupled with physical dominance and tactical discipline, made the difference. If today’s result is anything to go by, Albion are very much in the mix for a big finish to their National League One campaign and a top-four finish.
Head Coach Ryan Lamb had this to say post game:
“The lads deserved a fantastic reaction this week. I thought our defence and exits were outstanding, really setting the tone and we were highly clinical whenever we got into attacking areas. It was a great effort and performance from everyone involved.”
Looking Ahead
Next up, Plymouth Albion return home to face another promotion contender at Brickfields, where they’ll aim to build on today’s momentum taking on Rotherham Titans on 22 November. The Titans are also in the hunt for a top-four finish and are very much in the promotion hunt, making it another potential “six-pointer.” However, Albion’s discipline, forward power and smart decision-making against Rams will be vital as they chase consistency.
Pablo Cheeks
