MATCH PREVIEW | CAMBORNE v PLYMOUTH ALBION
Saturday 12 September | National 1 | 1500 kick-off
Cornwall v Devon. Camborne v Plymouth Albion and the first competitive meeting since 1989.
It is a fixture supporters will have been looking forward to from the moment Camborne secured promotion from National 2 West back in April.
This Saturday, Albion make the journey across the Tamar for what promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the early National 1 season, with Camborne preparing for their first home league game since returning to this level.
Both sides arrive with confidence after impressive victories on the opening weekend.
Albion could hardly have asked for a stronger start to their National 1 campaign, producing a commanding performance on the road to defeat Rosslyn Park 61-17. Harry Wilkinson crossed for a hat-trick as Ryan Lamb’s side picked up maximum points from what has traditionally been one of the toughest away trips on the calendar.
Camborne’s opening afternoon was very different, but no less significant.
Camborne Make Their Mark
The newly promoted Cornish side were handed a considerable opening assignment with a long journey north to face Leeds Tykes.
Leeds established a 29-14 advantage as Camborne were forced to work their way into the contest, but the visitors refused to go away.
What followed was an impressive fightback, with Camborne eventually striking a late penalty in the closing stages to complete a dramatic 38-36 victory and secure their first National 1 win.
Director of Rugby Ricky Pellow was understandably proud of his side’s performance and the significance of the result.
“It wasn’t pretty but it meant so much to the lads, and we are super proud in picking up the first win.”
That result ensures Saturday’s meeting has all the ingredients of an intriguing early-season contest. Two unbeaten sides, two opening-day away victories and two teams now looking to build momentum.
Experience Throughout the Camborne Squad
Anyone expecting Albion to face a typical newly promoted side will quickly be corrected by a look through the Camborne squad.
The Cornish club retained a significant part of the group responsible for securing promotion while adding further quality ahead of their return to National 1.
There are familiar names throughout their ranks.
Former Albion player Herbie Stupple (not available) is among those, alongside Alex Ducker, Jago Sheppard (not available), Jon Drew and CJ Boyce.
Ben Priddey provides a significant threat after an outstanding campaign in which he scored 38 tries last season.
Then there is the Matavesi influence.
Josh and Sam Matavesi have been major figures in Camborne’s rise, bringing considerable experience to the squad, and they have now been joined by Joel Matavesi.
All three started in Camborne’s opening league victory at Leeds, alongside several of the experienced names who helped the club earn promotion last season.
Camborne’s preparations also included a home pre-season fixture against Championship opposition Cornish Pirates, which ended in a 50-28 defeat but provided another valuable test before stepping into National 1.
Albion Make Changes for Camborne
Ryan Lamb has named his side for the trip to Cornwall, with a number of changes following the opening-day victory at Rosslyn Park.
One of the biggest positives is the return of Frankie Dart.
Dart has been sidelined since suffering an injury last season and returns to the matchday squad following a lengthy rehabilitation. His inclusion on the bench represents a significant milestone for the back-rower and is testament to the work put in by both Dart and Albion’s medical team throughout his recovery.
Harry Legg also returns after missing the opening game of the season with a knock and comes straight back into the starting XV at full-back.
There is a first Albion start for Cameron Doak at tighthead prop, with Dan Pullinger unavailable for the trip to Cornwall. Doak has the opportunity to make his mark from the opening whistle after being part of the Albion squad during the early stages of the campaign.
James Kenny and hat-trick scorer Harry Wilkinson complete the front row, with captain Huw Taylor partnering Morgan Eames in the second row.
Jarrard Hayler is rewarded for an impressive contribution from the bench against Rosslyn Park with a place in the starting side. He joins Sam Daly and Ben Moa in the back row.
Co-captain Jack Oulton continues at scrum-half alongside Iwan Jenkins at fly-half, while Noah Fenton and Oscar Stewart occupy the wings. Archie Hill and Chris Preen continue in midfield, with the returning Legg completing the back three.
There is also a new face among the replacements.
Hooker Mackenzie Oliver joins the matchday squad having been registered by Albion. The Exeter Chiefs Academy player has spent the past two years in Bahrain and provides additional front-row cover with Albion managing several unavailable players including Rhys Williams.
Harvey Courtis also comes onto the Albion bench, alongside Jake Clemson, Angus Hodges and the returning Dart.
Cornwall v Devon
There is another dimension to Saturday that goes beyond the league table.
Cornwall against Devon rarely needs much introduction.
A sizeable travelling Albion support is expected to make its way into Cornwall by coach, train and car, while anticipation around Camborne’s first home National 1 fixture should ensure a strong home crowd.
Camborne are operating a free shuttle bus from the railway station between 1145 and 1415 as they prepare for what is expected to be a significant afternoon for the club.
For Albion, it represents the second consecutive away fixture at the beginning of what promises to be a demanding month.
The 61-17 victory at Rosslyn Park provided an excellent opening step, but Saturday presents an entirely different challenge.
Camborne will be playing their first National 1 league fixture at home following promotion, backed by a large Cornish crowd and buoyed by the manner of their opening-day victory.
There is physicality throughout both squads, alongside considerable experience and attacking quality.
Albion will head west with momentum, but there will be no underestimating a Camborne side who have already shown they are ready to compete at this level.
After an opening weekend that saw both clubs make their mark on National 1, attention now turns to one of the most anticipated fixtures of the early season.
Cornwall v Devon. Camborne v Plymouth Albion.
Plymouth Albion Team
1. James Kenny
2. Harry Wilkinson
3. Cameron Doak
4. Huw Taylor (C)
5. Morgan Eames
6. Sam Daly
7. Jarrard Hayler
8. Ben Moa
9. Jack Oulton (CC)
10. Iwan Jenkins
11. Noah Fenton
12. Archie Hill
13. Chris Preen
14. Oscar Stewart
15. Harry Legg
Replacements
16. Mackenzie Oliver
17. Harvey Courtis
18. Jake Clemson
19. Angus Hodges
20. Frankie Dart
Camborne have named their side for Saturday’s clash with Albion, with a wealth of experience throughout the starting XV.
Camborne: 1. Tommy Lee-Southworth, 2. Ben Priddey, 3. Jon Drew, 4. Jamie Prisk, 5. Adam Hughes, 6. Barnaby Elderkins, 7. Jordan Nicholls, 8. Sam Matavesi, 9. CJ Boyce, 10. Joel Matavesi, 11. Alex Ducker, 12. Josh Matavesi, 13. Will Hennessy, 14. Frankie Nowell, 15. Oliver Roberts.
Replacements: Ben Woodmansey, Declan Prowse, Harrison Hayman, Jay Toogood, Harry Larkins.
Camborne v Plymouth Albion
Saturday 12 September
1500 kick-off
