LCpl Pita Ratukadreu (REME) backed up his try in Round 4 of Corps Championship game at RLC with another five-pointer for Plymouth Albion – but it was not enough to stop the National One high-fliers slipping to a 29-24 defeat at derby rivals Taunton Titans.
After Epi Taione and the visitors’ Jenson Boughton exchanged early tries, it was Ratukadreu who wriggled his way over to put third-placed Albion in front at Veritas Park, only for Plymouth to be reduced to 14 men when Brad Howe was sent off.
Frankie Dart converted a Greg Kitson score to nudge Taunton if front, but Albion hit back as Tom Putt added the extras to his own five-pointer.
Titans were ahead at the break, however, Dart on target after Sam Leworthy touched down, and a Noah Fenton try at the start of the final quarter made it 24-17.
Albion levelled soon after, Putt’s kick adding to a Hallam Chapman try, but Fenton’s second secured a shock win for the hosts.
Gnr Senitiki Nayalo (7 Para RHA) played 70 minutes as Coventry’s first-half blitz helped secure a 33-19 victory at Cambridge.
The No. 8 was part of a back row containing two internationals in American Paddy Ryan and ex-England ace Matt Kvesic, and their side were 26-0 in front after 40 minutes.
Ryan Hutler opened the scoring before USA man Ryan, Jimmy Martin and Eliot Salt also crossed the whitewash, Tongan World Cup star Pat Pellegrini adding three conversions.
However, after Will Wand’s try was added to for 33-0, Cambridge rallied with the wind at their backs and scored an unanswered 19 points, Ben Brownlie, Eli Caven and Matt Collins touching down with Jamie Benson adding two kicks.
Elsewhere, Newcastle Falcons centre Rfn Vereimi Qorowale (2 Rifles) started for Doncaster Knights as they went down 29-24 against Edinburgh A, while Spr Lauren Brooks (RE) was a late substitute for Trailfinders Women as they went down 41-17 in the Premiership 15s at Bristol Bears.
Words © Richard Ashton
Header and feature image – Alligin Photography © Cat Goryn
