Caxton lights up tight win against Albion

A STRONG scrummaging performance and exceptional defence laid the foundations for OEs’ hardfought victory over Plymouth in atrocious conditions at College Meadow.

Both sides struggled to hold onto the wet ball in an error-strewn first half, but it was OEs who took a 13-0 lead thanks to two Joe Carlisle penalties and a converted try from centre Max Wilkins, who burst up the middle from a clever delayed pass by man-of-thematch Ollie Claxton.

Plymouth finished the half strongly, however, and took full advantage when OEs were reduced to 14 men following the sinbinning of lock Adam Preocanin, prop Jack Owlett crashing over from a driven lineout on 39 minutes. Harvey Skinner’s conversion cut the deficit to just five points at half-time.

Playing into a strong wind, Elthamians were forced on to the back foot for much of the second period as Plymouth enjoyed the majority of possession and territory.

The visitors were rewarded when scrum-half Cameron Setter scored their second try, diving on a loose ball after OEs failed to deal with a kick-through.

But Carlisle’s second penalty on the hour gave the home side some breathing space and although the visitors launched a late onslaught in the closing moments, they could find no way through the wall of yellow and blue shirts, as OEs held on for their first win in three games.