Plymouth Albion got off to a winning start on the first day of the new season, beating Coventry in National One at Brickfields.

After a catch and drive move, Albion opened the scoring on 25 minutes when prop Ryan Hopkins crossed the line.

It was 7-5 for most of the game, with Coventry providing stiff opposition for Plymouth's new-look squad, including eight new signings.

But two late penalty kicks from fly-half Ross Laidlaw made the game safe.