Plymouth Albion maintain their unbeaten start to the National 1 season with an eventful 54-40 victory over Bishop’s Stortford at Silver Leys.
Albion scored eight tries and secured another five-point win, but had to withstand two strong comebacks from the hosts after racing into a 28-0 lead.
The visitors made a flying start, with captain Huw Taylor finishing a driving-maul move for the opening try. Dan Pullinger and Jake Clemson crossed soon afterwards, with Iwan Jenkins converting all three.
Harry Wilkinson added a fourth try after another powerful maul, giving Albion their bonus point inside 18 minutes.
Bishop’s Stortford responded with two tries from driving mauls to cut the deficit to 28-12. Albion regained some control before half-time when Archie Hill broke through to score their fifth try. Jenkins converted, and Albion went into the interval 35-12 ahead.
Half-time: Bishop’s Stortford 12-35 Plymouth Albion
The hosts scored twice in the opening five minutes of the second half, including a long-range counterattack, to reduce Albion’s lead to 35-26.
Albion answered through Sam Daly, who finished a move created by Jack Oulton and Rhys Williams. Frankie Dart converted to restore a 16-point advantage.
The match remained open, but Albion extended their lead when replacement James Kenny crossed after a quick tap penalty. Jenkins added the conversion to make it 49-26.
Bishop’s Stortford continued to threaten, scoring twice to bring the score back to 49-40. Albion then added their eighth try late in the game, although the conversion was missed, to secure the 54-40 victory.
Jarrard Hayler was named Nuffield Health Man of the Match for his contribution in attack and defence.
Albion head coach Ryan Lamb said: “Fantastic to come away with five points because we know Bishop’s Stortford are a very good team when they’re on the front foot, and they certainly showed that today.
“There are definitely things for us to work on going into next week. I thought the players produced some brilliant rugby at times, but we also let our intensity drop in certain periods. Fair play to Bishop’s Stortford, they took advantage of those moments and scored some good tries.”
Full-time: Bishop’s Stortford 40-54 Plymouth Albion
Albion return to Brickfields next Saturday, 7 November, to face Rams.
By Paul Nicholson