Leeds 49-18 Plymouth Albion

Leeds Carnegie ran in seven tries against Plymouth Albion at Headingley as they returned to the top of the National League 1 table.

Leeds were temporarily displaced on Saturday by Exeter's win at Doncaster.

But, after the shock of conceding a try in the first minute to Albion centre Matt Hopper, Leeds responded well.

Still trailing 11-8 after 21 minutes, they turned that round by the break - and three more second-half tries put the seal on a five-point victory.

The men from Plymouth certainly did their bit in trying to do Devon rivals Exeter a favour.

After Hopper's early try, Jason Strange responded with a penalty, only for Keiran Hallett's boot to restore Albion's five-point cushion.

Then, when Leeds centre Jonny Hepworth scored his team's first try to level the scores, after Strange had missed with the conversion, another Hallett penalty put Plymouth back in front.

But Joe Bedford put Leeds ahead for the first time three minutes later. And, although Strange missed with the kick, he then immediately landed a penalty to make it 16-11.

Two more tries before the break from Hendre Fourie and Andy Boyde, both improved by Strange, gave the half-time scoreline a more anticipated look at 30-11.

Unbeaten Leeds have won all 15 National League 1 games this season

Plymouth have won their last four home league games but have not won away since 4 October

Leeds face a big test next Sunday at third-placed Nottingham

But, despite conceding a fifth try just three minutes after the start, Strange adding the extras after Rhys Oakley had crossed, Plymouth never threw in the towel.

Hooker Gareth Evans added a second try, to which Hallett this time added the conversion, to make it 37-18.

But Leeds ran in two more tries to ensure they maintained their 100 per cent winning record.

Their other centre Scott Barrow and winger Leigh Hinton both crossed, Strange kicking the first of them to complete a 14-point haul with the boot.

Leeds should again be temporarily toppled from the league leadership next weekend when they play on Sunday for the second week running at third-placed Nottingham (1500 GMT) - 24 hours after Exeter play at home to struggling Esher (1500 GMT).

Plymouth, who drop a place to ninth thanks to Cornish Pirates' win at London Welsh, must travel again next Saturday to Coventry (1500 GMT).