Albion disappointed after narrow defeat to Bristol

Plymouth Albion 31

Bristol Rugby 38

RFU Greene King IPA Championship, Saturday 2 November 2013, Brickfields

Albion players and fans alike will join head coach James Shanahan in his disappointment at the outcome of Saturday's Westcountry tussle with Bristol.

Having led 21-5 after an excellent first thirty minutes, Plymouth's lead was reduced to just two points by half time, not helped by a yellow card for winger Jack Arnott.

After the break, with the wind behind them, Albion increased the advantage to 28-19 thanks to the completion of a fine hat trick by Tom Bowen. But as they looked set to push for victory, instead Bristol found their way back, taking the lead and holding it for the win despite a gallant late Plymouth effort.

“We should have won that game. In the second half we didn’t execute the game plan we talked about at half time," Shanahan told the club's website.

“We are a new team but we have got to learn quicker. At home to Moseley, London Scottish and now Bristol we have thrown away eight points which would have put us in the top four.

“You have to give credit to Bristol for the way they came back at us. Bristol are a Premiership club playing in the Championship.”

Albion certainly tested their opponents, but will feel an opportunity of a great victory was missed.

Plymouth Albion: C Elder, T Bowen, B Woods (H Stevens 58), T Howley-Berridge, J Arnott, D Cusack (J Shanahan 73), P Rowley, B Rogers (M Rice 73), M Crumpton (G Evans 80), D Morton, D Williams (H Tovey 65), I Ascroft-Leigh, S-M Stephen, R Langley (E Grace 76), R Oakley capt (rep not used: C Setter)

Tries: Bowen 3, Arnott
Cons: Cusack 4
Pen: Elder
Yellow card: Arnott

Bristol Rugby: J Tovey, G Watkins, A Short (B Rennie 53), B Mosses (T Roberts 80), R Edwards, N Robinson, J Grindall (R Tipuna 46), K Traynor (M Lilley 80), O Hayes,(R Johnston 46) B Douglas, G Townson, M Sorenson capt, I Grieve (M Mama 49), J Merriman (M Eadie 76), B Skirving

Tries: Skirving, Watkins 3, Robinson, Rennie

Cons: Robinson 4

Referee David Rose (RFU)
Attendance 2,216

See more at: http://www.plymouthalbion.com