Match Report: Plymouth Albion 19–19 Bridgend
Plymouth Albion opened their 2025/26 pre-season campaign with a 19–19 draw against Welsh side Bridgend at Brickfields. The fixture gave supporters a first look at the new squad, with 11 fresh faces included, and offered useful preparation ahead of the competitive season.
First Half
Albion began with intent, applying pressure from the kick-off and winning the early collisions. Within two minutes, Ben Moa crossed for the opening try to give the hosts a 5–0 lead.
For much of the first half, Albion controlled territory and possession. The defensive line was well-organised, limiting Bridgend’s opportunities, while in attack the home side created chances but were held back by errors at the lineout and a handful of handling mistakes.
The best opportunity came on 20 minutes, when Angus Hodges broke the line and linked with Ben Parsons, only for the ball to be knocked on close to the try line. Bridgend struggled to progress upfield until the final 10 minutes of the half, when they gained ground and eventually took advantage of a turnover. A well-placed grubber kick behind the defence led to their first try, which was converted.
Albion finished the half strongly, driving from a lineout maul and playing at pace, but could not convert pressure into points. Bridgend held a narrow 7–5 lead at the break.
Second Half
The early stages of the second half were competitive. An interception from Jenson created an attacking platform, but Bridgend regained possession and cleared to halfway. Albion’s lineout difficulties continued, and a turnover from a scrum allowed Bridgend to move the ball wide and score again. The missed conversion left the score at 12–5.
Bridgend enjoyed a spell of possession and territory, but Albion responded well. A turnover near their own try line allowed Kyle Spear to carry strongly out of danger, before the hosts found their rhythm again.
The first breakthrough came from Joel Broadhurst, who finished well after a sharp attacking move. Frankie Dart converted to close the gap to 12–19.
With 10 minutes to play, Albion’s tempo lifted further. Captain Jack Oulton made a noticeable impact from the bench, adding energy and sharpness around the breakdown. From a lineout and maul, the forwards drove hard before Jake Bond crossed for Albion’s third try. Dart added the conversion to level the score at 19–19.
Closing Stages
The final minutes saw both teams search for a winning score. Albion earned territory with a kick upfield and a lineout in Bridgend’s half, but the chance ended with a turnover. The game closed with Albion regaining possession, and the score remained level at full-time.
From the Head Coach
Head Coach Ryan Lamb reflected:
“It was always going to be scrappy the first game of pre-season. We had a fair few turnovers but when we did keep hold of the ball we looked good. I was really impressed with our fitness and that showed throughout. We want to play quick and next week against Exeter will be a great time to put that into practice.”
Next Fixture
Albion continue their pre-season schedule at Brickfields on Saturday 23 August, when they face Exeter Chiefs U23s. Kick-off is at 3:00pm. Book your tickets here and join us for what promises to be entertaining afternoon.
