Match Report sponsored by Relationships Plymouth.
Blackheath 40–28 Plymouth Albion
In a thrilling encounter at The Wells, Blackheath emerged victorious over Plymouth Albion by 40–28, delivering a statement win in the National League One race. The momentum swung in the home side’s favour early on, and although Albion fought back, Blackheath’s attacking firepower ultimately proved the difference.
First Half
Blackheath came out of the blocks with real intent, quickly building pressure in the forwards and spreading the ball wide when opportunities arose. Their first try arrived through William Harding after strong line-out work was followed by a slick back-line move that pierced Albion’s defence. The conversion was good, giving the hosts an early lead.
Albion, to their credit, responded with a try of their own courtesy of Jenson Boughton, after sustained phases and some clever offloading kept Blackheath’s defenders scrambling.
On the thirty-minute mark, Albion piled on more pressure and actually took the lead after a breakaway try from the in-form Bobby Wigginton, with Frankie Dart adding his second conversion of the game.
Despite this, Blackheath struck again before the break through Finn Osbourne, exploiting a turnover close to the Albion 22 and moving quickly with a smart finish in the corner to tie the game 14–14 after the successful conversion.
Blackheath managed to add a further score moments before half time, once again applying pressure from a set piece, with William Harding crashing over. The conversion was good, ending the first half in Blackheath’s favour 21–14.
Second Half
The second half resumed in much the same vein, with Blackheath looking composed and confident in their patterns, continuing to push the tempo.
The next score came from Finn Osbourne moments after Jack Oulton received a technical yellow card. The try came from a close-range pick-up after a dominant scrum. The conversion extended the advantage to 28–14.
Craig Duncan then received a technical yellow card, adding to Albion’s troublesome start to the half, and William Harding again found enough space to wriggle across the line. The conversion was added, stretching the lead to 35–14.
Albion rallied and found themselves in need of points. When the game hit the sixty-minute mark, Harry Wilkinson bullied his way over the line from a solid lineout, leaving the hosts briefly unsettled. After Dart nailed the conversion, the gap was closed to 35–21, and the game hung in the balance.
However, Blackheath responded with class. A patient build saw them score again through Benjamin Charnock, re-establishing a comfortable cushion at 40–21.
The final try of the match came late from Albion’s Shea Cornish with five minutes remaining, and even though Dart added another two-point conversion, it wouldn’t be enough for Albion, who fell short on the day 40–28.
Post-Match Reaction
For Blackheath, this result underlined their credentials as genuine contenders this season in National League One. Not only did they secure a five-try bonus point, but they did so in a manner that showed their ability to absorb pressure — as Albion’s comeback attempt demonstrated — and still deliver at key moments.
For Plymouth Albion, the performance was a mixed bag. They showed character and attacking threat — four tries away from home is nothing to be ashamed of — but the inability to maintain momentum and the conceded tries at critical junctures will be frustrating. If they are to challenge at the top, tightening up those defensive lapses and offering more consistency will be vital.
Albion’s reply will need to be immediate if they are to remain in the hunt for promotion this season.
Head Coach Ryan Lamb had this to say post-game:
“Very disappointing result, unfortunately. Conceding forty points away from home is going to make any game difficult to win. We lost the physical battle, which led to a lot of penalties against us for easy entries into our own half. Fair play to Blackheath, who were very clinical and deserved the win.”
🎟 Next Up: Albion travel to Rams next weekend before returning to Brickfields on Saturday 22 November to take on Rotherham Titans.
Tickets are available now at plymouthalbion.com — book early to secure your seat.
Full Highlights can be found here
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