Plymouth Albion continued their impressive start to the National 1 season with a controlled 32-21 victory over Camborne in front of a bumper crowd of 2,619 at the Recreation Ground.
Several hundred travelling Albion supporters made the journey across the Tamar for Camborne’s first-ever home fixture in the third tier, creating a superb atmosphere for the latest instalment of Cornwall against Devon.
Despite the occasion and a stop-start nature to the contest, Albion looked composed throughout. Ryan Lamb’s side established a 20-0 half-time advantage and remained in control despite a late response from the hosts, securing a second successive bonus-point victory on the road.
Harry Wilkinson continued his outstanding start to the campaign with another two tries, taking his tally to five in the opening two league games, while Noah Fenton also crossed twice.
Albion made the brighter start and were rewarded after seven minutes when Iwan Jenkins calmly converted a penalty from just outside the Camborne 22 to give the visitors an early 3-0 advantage.
The pressure continued and Camborne were reduced to 14 men shortly before the quarter-hour when Josh Matavesi was shown a yellow card for a late tackle.
Albion immediately capitalised. From the resulting territory, the visitors went to their line-out and captain Huw Taylor powered over from close range to extend the advantage.
Camborne looked to play with ball in hand when opportunities arose, but Albion remained composed and continued to control proceedings.
On 27 minutes, Chris Preen opened up the Camborne defence and released Noah Fenton, who finished the opportunity to put further daylight between the sides.
One of Albion’s biggest strengths throughout the afternoon was their line-out, and it provided another reward shortly before half-time. After an excellent 50/22 gave Albion another attacking opportunity, the visitors went back to their set-piece. A well-executed catch-and-drive ended with Wilkinson burrowing his way over for his fourth try of the season.
Albion headed into the changing rooms with a commanding 20-point advantage.
Half-time: Camborne 0 Plymouth Albion 20
Camborne needed the opening score after the interval, but it was Albion who struck first. Six
Plymouth Albion Secure Maximum Points at Camborne