Senior Men Secure Victory in Rain-Drenched Clash.

Under a deluge at Brickfields, Plymouth Albion Select XV faced a diverse Royal Navy Rugby Union line-up, featuring a blend of regulars, under 23’s, Academy, and 7’s players.

Albion whose senior squad are riding hight in the 3rd spot in National League One, aimed to conquer the challenging conditions.

In a swift offensive move not long after kick-off, Navy Rugby's scrum half, Will Rigelsford, capitalized on a gap in the defensive setup, scoring a try within 4 minutes, with Rickus Brink converting for an early 7-point lead.

A commanding line-out drive by Navy Rugby 12 minutes later extended their lead to 0 - 12 with hooker Connor Thurgood coming good.

Navy Rugby suffered a setback, receiving a yellow card for a high tackle, Plymouth Albion seized the opportunity in the 23rd minute, utilising their forward pack's power to score and narrow the gap to 5 - 12.

With a few minutes left in the first half, Plymouth Albion also saw a yellow card, and Navy Rugby capitalised. Kane Teear-Bourge dove over for a try, score 5 - 19.

Just before the break, Plymouth Albion closed the deficit with a well-executed line-out drive, bringing the score to 10 – 19.

The second half unfolded with numerous replacements throughout, both teams battling the heavy pitch though the rain did let ups.

Navy Rugby extended their lead with a powerful carry over the try line by a returning Gaz Evans who came on at No.8. Brink’s conversion was successful, securing a 26 - 10 victory for the RN.

Dom Cleverley said after the game, “It was a pretty well contested game given the conditions. Pretty much ruined any chance to try and play an expansive game. Credit to Albion, they were a good outfit. We’ll just have to learn how to battle the conditions…”.

Team Manager Rob Jones was more concise, “The boys did well. Tidy!”.

The next match for the Senior Men sees them travel to Cambridge University RFC, 14 Feb, KO 1930.

Senior Men: K Beasley, C Thurgood, D Cleverley; M Scott, L Sutton; G Wagstaff, L Roxby, J Hayler (C); W Rigelsford, R Brink, J Davis, J Hoffman, K Dobson, K Teear-Bourge, R Dingmans.

Replacements: M Stevens, K Allton, W Napier, G Evans, D McAdams, C Mills, C Lewis, R Hume, H Mayes, A King, M Hall.

Words by R Hall

Images by C Sanders