Leeds Tykes 14

Plymouth Albion 8 

Both Keni Fisilau and Danny Thomas pass a late fitness test to enable them to start. Danny Thomas makes his 52nd consecutive league.  The team come out in their change strip of black. To a reasonable crowd that looks small in a 20,000 capacity ground.

Dan Smith comes in at lock after arriving at Plymouth from Bath on loan and having to learn all the calls and moves in a very short time.

With Ed Lewsey penalised for not rolling away Leeds had an early opportunity to take the lead in the second minute but the 45 metre kick missed the posts.

7 minutes into the match Tom Hayes kicked up for Nic Sestaret collecting and passed out to Keni Fisilau who went over the corner but under the windy conditions Regardt van Eyk was unable to convert by Leeds full back Leigh Hinton.

Martin Schusterman goes over on 16 minutes through two Albion defenders to bring the scores level but the try was converted to take Leeds into the lead.

On 25 minutes Leeds play the catch and drive after a poor Albion clearance gives Leeds their second try for hooker Rob Rawlinson and converted by Leigh Hinton. 

Albion have a chance from 40 metres and although the ball comes off the posts Leeds knocked the ball on for a scrum to Albion but were not able to take advantage.

The teams go into the changing rooms with Leeds on top having the better run of play and the points to show for it.  Leeds have tried the up and under move a number of times but Albion have defended well from this move.  Albion have not done so well in the scrums with at least twice Leeds turning over Albion scrums. Nat  Saumi is looking strong and solid and chances have just not gone Albion's way.

7 Minutes into the second half Albion have a chance when Federico Genoud catches the ball at the back of the line before setting up a driving maul. The ball was held up.

With Albion maintaining  pressure the maul was pulled down and Colin Noon was sin binned. With Leeds a man down they step their game up to another level making it very difficult to take advantage.

Regardt van Eyk makes his first kick of the match from 40 metres out being the only advantage Albion took while Leeds were a man down.

22 minutes into 2nd half Dan Smith is replaced by Brett Stroud.

on 33 minutes it looked as though Albion were going to make it across the line after Nat took the Leeds full back into touch after a Nat Saumi kick Albion set up a catch and drive move from the lineout and Albion add a number of backs but are unable to make it across the line.

Arran Cruickshanks comes on for Keni Fisilau but plays at fly half with Ed Barnes moving out to inside centre.

Another attempt to cross the Leeds line was successful but the ball was held up.

Albion played a lot better in the second half but only managed to get 3 points.  They did stop  Leeds from collecting the bonus point and picked up one of their own.

Team: Nat Saumi, Tom Arscott, Regardt van Eyk, Keni Fisilau, Nic Sestaret, Ed Barnes, Ed Lewsey, Martin Rice, Richard Oxley, Scott Zimmerman, Dan Smith, Tom Hayes, Federico Genoud, Danny Thomas, Chris Lowrie Replacements: Sila Va'Enuku, Nigel Cane, Arran Cruickshanks(used), Tim Mathias, James Owen, Francisco Deformes(used), Brett Stroud(used)

Scorers :- Tries Keni Fisilau Penalties Regardt van Eyk

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