Albion Oaks make light work of bottom club

IT IS FIVE WINS FROM FIVE FOR THE LEAGUE LEADERS AS TAVISTOCK GO DOWN TO A NARROW DEFEAT

- CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

PLYMSTOCK Albion Oaks made it five out of five at the top of Western Counties West by defeating bottom side Wiveliscombe 31-19.

Making it five from five is a remarkable start to the season – especially as Oaks finished with 13 men on the park against Wiveliscombe.

Mitieli Caqara fell foul of the new high-tackle laws early midway through the first half and was shown an immediate red card.

And five minutes from time player-coach Lewis Paterson collected a second yellow card and had to go too. By then Oaks had done enough to preserve their 100 per cent record and a four-point lead over Kingsbridge at the top of the table.

Mark Lenthall, the director of rugby at Plymstock Albion Oaks, said it was an odd game that defied rugby logic at times.

“We were only 12-9 up at half time – two tries and a conversion to three penalties – yet had not really been challenged,” said Lenthall.

“Until we had the first red card in the second half we were pretty comfortable, even though Wiveliscombe defended well, pressured us in the scrums and a had a good line-out.”

Although it does not get any better than five wins out of five and not a dropped point in sight, Lenthall is eager to keep expectations realistic at Horsham Fields.

“There are not weak sides in this division and Wiveliscombe are a prime example,” said Lenthall.

“Wiveliscombe are not a bottom-of-the-table side and it won’t be long before they start picking up wins.

“Falmouth and Paignton – the sides that struggled last season – seem to have recruited well and have clearly improved. It is going to be a tight division.

“Five games in and we have not had an easy one yet. Although we are going well, it could only take a few injuries and things could change…”