Albion show signs of intent with their thumping opening day win against Leeds Tykes

PLYMOUTH Albion headed north for their season opener on Saturday afternoon, with plenty of expectation and an eagerness to not only impress, but make an early statement to the rest of the league showing their intentions moving forward.

- By PABLO CHEEKS Rugby Union correspondent

Newly-promoted Leeds Tykes were the opposition, a team that was also brimming with confidence having been recently promoted from National Two North, finishing dominantly in first place, whilst boasting an impressive unbeaten record at home in The Sycamores.

They too would be looking to get their season off to a good start and continue their impressive record from last season.

If past meetings between the two sides were anything to go by, Leeds would have just cause to feel optimistic about their chances, having won ten of their last 17 meetings. However, on an overcast afternoon in West Yorkshire, with the sun beginning to fade, it would be Albion that would kick the new season off with a found optimism.

Albion switched on immediately, focussed on the Leeds 22 and getting the ball closer and closer to the home side's try line. They poured on instant pressure and were rewarded after just six minutes when inside centre Archie Hill crashed over the line to secure the first five points of the game with Frankie Dart adding the two point conversion moments later.