Plymouth Albion maintained their perfect start to the National League One season with a dramatic 54-40 victory at Bishop's Stortford, collecting five league points despite being pushed hard by the home side. The win was Albion's eighth league victory of the campaign and extended their lead at the top of the table to four points over Tonbridge Juddians.

A flying start, then a fightback

Albion raced into a remarkable 28-0 lead inside the opening 18 minutes, with tries from Huw Taylor, Dan Pullinger, Jake Clemson and Harry Wilkinson, all converted by Iwan Jenkins. That fast start secured the try bonus point early, but Bishop's Stortford refused to fold. Two driving-maul tries brought the hosts back into the contest, before Archie Hill crossed for Albion's fifth try to restore a 35-12 lead at half-time.

Second-half drama at Silver Leys

Bishop's Stortford struck twice in the opening five minutes of the second half to cut the gap to 35-26, and later recovered from 49-26 down to 49-40 with two further tries. Albion answered each surge, with Sam Daly, James Kenny and a late eighth try steadying the visitors when the momentum threatened to swing decisively. Wilkinson added a second try after the break, while Jenkins and Frankie Dart shared the kicking duties.

What it means for Albion's season

Head coach Ryan Lamb praised his side for coming away with five points against a very good Bishop's Stortford team, while acknowledging that intensity dropped at times. Albion were without leading try scorer Noah Fenton as a precaution following a knock. Conceding six tries will give the coaching team plenty to work on, but the win keeps Albion unbeaten and in control of the early title race. They return to Brickfields next Saturday to face Rams.

Sources: Plymouth Albion; Kingsbridge Today.