A disappointing trip for DMPRFC to the Brickfields HQ of Plymouth Albion RFC, as although scoring 5 tries away from home, they still fell short of the home sides total by seven points, returning to the North East with two bonus points.

Too many errors on the day saw visitors Mowden fall short by the one score against a big home side, containing some solid citizens, who adapted better to the heavy conditions.

A missed penalty kick to touch on seven minutes by Mowden fly half Warren SEALS brought the first try for the home side, which ended up being a fine try for flanker George MILLS (5 – 0). However, Mowden were felt hard done by, as it appeared that the missed kick for touch, which was fielded by home full back Connor EASTGATE, was knocked on. EASTGATE added the extras. (7 – 0)

It was another 20 minutes of parity, before Plymouth scored their second try. This time it was MILLS’ flanker colleague John KELLY who touched down for the score. (12 – 0). EASTGATE missed the conversion.

Visiting full back Paul JARVIS weighed in with a try for the visitors, with the player looking back to full fitness after injury and he looked capable of making something happen when in possession. (12 – 5) SEALS missed the conversion.

Just prior to oranges, EASTGATE kicked a penalty for Plymouth (15 – 5) and as the break was heralded by the official in attendance, the home side had deserved their lead.

Within two minutes of the restart, Plymouth added to their tally, when from a catch and drive lineout, home hooker Jamie SALTER anchored the ship to score. (20 – 5). EASTGATE missed the conversion.

It wasn’t long before Mowden responded, when scrum half Euan McKIRDY registered with the first of his brace (20 – 10). However SEALS missed the afters.

Plymouth responded when prop Dan PULLINGER-HAM put in winger Alex DUCKER in for an important try for the home side, (25 – 10) this time EASTGATE adding the conversion. (27 – 10)

Mowden fought back with two tries, McKIRDY’s second and one from Mowden’s top try scorer, Brandon ASHER-WOOD, to cut the deficit. (27 – 20)

Plymouth halted further progress from their North East visitors, as replacement hooker Max NOREY scored under the posts, (32 – 20) EASTGATE converting. (34 – 20)

Although too little, too late, Mowden had the last word at the death, when JARVIS’s crossed for his second score. (34 – 25) SEALS converting (34 – 27) bringing to an end a high-scoring game, with Plymouth the victors.