Plymouth Albion Dominate at Clifton to Secure Fifth Straight Victory
National League One
Saturday 20 December
Station Road, Clifton
Plymouth Albion signed off 2025 in emphatic fashion on Saturday afternoon, producing a powerful and controlled performance to defeat Clifton 35–10 at Station Road. The victory secured a fifth consecutive win for Albion, five valuable league points, and ensured they head into the new year sitting second in the National League One table.
On a crisp afternoon in Bristol, Albion set the tone early and never relinquished control, delivering a performance built on physical dominance, discipline, and clinical finishing.
First Half
Clifton kicked off proceedings, but Albion immediately imposed themselves. The return box kick gave the hosts early territory, yet Albion won the first scrum and the first physical battle, setting the platform for what was to follow. A penalty at that opening scrum allowed Albion to move into the Clifton 22, where an Exeter Chiefs loanee kicked expertly to the corner.
From the resulting pressure, Albion struck with just three minutes on the clock. Joe Bailey crashed over the line following sustained forward momentum, and Iwan Jenkins converted directly in front of the posts to give Albion a deserved early lead.
Before Clifton could regroup, Albion struck again in stunning fashion. From the restart, quick hands sent the ball wide and Harry Legg tore down the wing before diving over for an outstanding try. Jenkins again added the extras and Albion led 14–0 inside the opening five minutes.
Clifton attempted to respond and enjoyed their first attacking opportunity around the seven-minute mark, but Albion’s defence remained composed. Another penalty followed in the eighth minute, although it failed to find touch. Despite this, Albion were dominating across the field, winning collisions and controlling territory.
A brief turnover gave Clifton a breakaway opportunity, but once again Albion recovered well, winning another penalty which ultimately came to nothing. However, on ten minutes, Clifton struck out of nowhere. A box kick from Spencer found Harris on the wing, who finished well in the corner. The conversion struck the post, leaving Albion ahead 14–5 in what was quickly shaping into an entertaining contest.
Albion responded with relentless pressure. A high tackle brought advantage and Williams surged down the line, only to be stopped by a try-saving tackle. For several minutes Albion camped on the Clifton try line. Jack Oulton fired the ball wide to Shea Cornish, but it just slipped through his hands, with play pulled back for penalty advantage.
The pressure continued, but a knock-on eventually handed Clifton a scrum on 17 minutes. The contest remained fiercely physical, with Clifton clearly attempting to disrupt Albion’s rhythm, but Albion stayed disciplined and composed.
Another penalty advantage saw Oulton tap and go, keeping Albion firmly in control. By 22 minutes, Albion had earned five penalty advantages, and Clifton’s frustration boiled over, resulting in the game’s first yellow card.
The sustained pressure finally paid dividends when Albion shifted the ball wide and Shea Cornish was given time and space to finish clinically. Jenkins converted once more to extend the lead to 21–5.
Albion’s set piece dominance was clear, with their scrum and lineout proving decisive. Clifton struggled to cope, and the match increasingly resembled a physical battle that Albion were winning comfortably.
Although Clifton enjoyed a brief spell of possession towards the end of the half, Albion held firm and went into the break leading 21–5, having dominated the physical exchanges and controlled the game.
Second Half
Albion started the second half exactly as they had finished the first. Within seconds, Oscar Stewart found Bobby Wigginton, who was forced into touch, but Albion immediately won the ball back.
Just one minute into the half, the pressure told again. Joel Broadhurst crossed the line to extend Albion’s lead, and Jenkins converted to make it 28–5.
Shortly after, Jenkins was forced off with a knock and replaced by Frankie Dart, but Albion’s control did not waver. On 48 minutes, Clifton managed to reduce the deficit when Harris scored following sustained pressure close to the line. The conversion was missed, leaving the score at 28–10.
Momentum briefly shifted when Jack Oulton received a yellow card, leaving Albion a man down during a crucial phase of the game. Clifton attempted to capitalise, applying pressure, but Albion’s defence stood firm. Ben Moa, once again, led by example, carrying strongly and consistently, continuing a run of form that has made him one of Albion’s standout performers all season.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Albion continued to control territory. A penalty to the corner showcased their attacking intent, and although Clifton initially held out, the pressure was relentless. Louie Gulley threw accurately at the lineout, Albion recycled possession, and wave after wave of attack followed.
Eventually, the resistance broke. Joe Bailey powered over for his second try of the afternoon in the 68th minute. Frankie Dart converted, easing any remaining pressure and pushing Albion clear at 35–10.
The final ten minutes underlined Albion’s superior fitness and control. Clifton searched for gaps, but Albion’s defence remained superb, shutting down every opportunity. The travelling support was vocal throughout, with over 100 Albion fans in attendance and a further 150 watching live back at Brickfields in the Stormforce Marquee.
Clifton deserve credit for their resilience and refusal to give up, but Albion were simply too strong across the park.
Full Time
The final whistle confirmed a commanding 35–10 victory for Plymouth Albion, a result that secures five straight wins, keeps them second in the table, and sends them into the new year with momentum firmly on their side.
It was the perfect Christmas gift for the Albion community.
Albion now return to Brickfields on 10 January, looking to carry this outstanding form into the second half of the season.
Watch the full match again here
