Match Report: Rosslyn Park 29 – 14 Plymouth Albion
Plymouth Albion were in action this weekend away from home, facing fellow high flyers Rosslyn Park in what was billed as an early top-of-the-table clash. Both sides entered the contest unbeaten, each boasting four wins from four and maximum points at the top of National One.
Last season, the two teams shared close encounters — both ending in victories for the home sides — and Albion Head Coach Ryan Lamb was under no illusion that this trip to London would be one of the toughest tests of the season so far.
First Half
The game kicked off at 15:00 in front of a lively crowd at Priory Lane, with a number of travelling Albion supporters making the long journey to back their team. Unfortunately for the visitors, the home side struck first and fast. Just two minutes into the match, Charles Piper crossed for the opening try, giving Rosslyn a 5-0 lead. The conversion attempt drifted wide, and the scoreline remained unchanged for much of a fiercely contested first half.
The game quickly turned into a battle of attrition, with both sides trading possession and showing defensive resilience. Albion enjoyed spells of territorial advantage and came close to the try line on a couple of occasions, but a lapse in discipline in the 35th minute resulted in a penalty and a yellow card for Jenson Boughton for foul play.
Rosslyn capitalised immediately. Pinning Albion deep in their twenty-two, they broke through three minutes later as Thomas Stanton powered over the line. Steffan James added the conversion to send the hosts into half-time with a 12-0 advantage.
Second Half
The second half continued in the same physical fashion as both sides battled for control. The opening ten minutes saw a flurry of action and two technical yellow cards — one for each team — as the contest ebbed and flowed.
After 46 minutes, Albion finally broke their deadlock. Frankie Dart showed brilliant awareness and pace to dart over the line, before calmly adding the extras to bring the visitors back into contention at 12-7. Momentum seemed to be shifting, with Albion pressing hard for another score.
However, against the run of play, Ben Marfo powered over for Rosslyn’s third try of the afternoon. James once again converted to stretch the home side’s lead to 19-7 with just under 25 minutes to go.
Albion continued to fight back but found Rosslyn’s defence stubborn and organised. At the 65-minute mark, Rosslyn once again turned defence into attack, with Charles Mulchrone crashing over for their bonus-point try. Another successful conversion from James made it 26-7.
With ten minutes left, Ben Moa gave the travelling Albion supporters something to cheer about, scoring his second try in as many weeks with a trademark surge over the line. Dart’s reliable boot added the extra two points, closing the gap to 26-14.
Despite renewed energy and a determined finish from Albion, Rosslyn Park’s defensive structure held firm. In the final minute of the match, a penalty was awarded to the hosts, which James converted with the last kick of the game to seal a 29-14 victory for Rosslyn Park.
Post-Match Reaction
Ben Moa was named Nuffield Health Man of the Match for Plymouth Albion after another standout performance — his second nomination of the season.
Head Coach Ryan Lamb reflected on the afternoon, saying:
“Really proud of the players’ efforts in very testing conditions. The penalty count and a few errors in good positions cost us this afternoon. Congratulations to Rosslyn Park — they were clinical when it mattered. We’ll take plenty of positives from this game, review where we can be sharper, and look forward to next week.”
🎟 Next Home Game: Plymouth Albion return to Brickfields next weekend as they take on Dings Crusaders as we look to bounce back in another big National One fixture.
Tickets available now at plymouthalbion.com – book online in advance for the best prices.
