CAMERON THOMPSON is hoping he can secure more game-time for Plymouth Albion after making his debut for his hometown club against Esher last Saturday.
The 24-year-old came on as a half-time replacement in Albion’s 38-12 home defeat to the Surrey side.
“It was nice to make my debut, but in those circumstances it is a bit bitter sweet,” admitted Thompson.
“But it was good to get on the pitch and get a decent amount of time.
“I got 40 minutes and, hopefully, there will be more minutes to come for me in the coming weeks.
“Now it’s just a case of me trying to push on and try and get that starting spot. Obviously Jarrad (Hayler) is away, so I’m trying to nail down a spot in the squad.”
Thompson played for Albion’s Warriors team as a schoolboy, featuring in one game alongside director of rugby Graham Dawe after coming on as a replacement for Rory Watts-Jones.
But he left Plymouth to go to university in 2009 and has only returned this year.
“I moved to Manchester when I was 18 and started playing for Sale Sharks in their academy,” he said. “I played A games and that sort of thing for them and then I went on loan to Fylde. I stayed there for their promotion from National Two to National One and then went back two seasons later following a stint in New Zealand.
“But I got offered quite a good job down here and my parents are from here, so I just thought I would move back. I got in contact with Graham and it went from there really.”
Thompson is a full-time quantity surveyor and he admits it can be hard trying to fit training around his job.
“The days get a bit long sometimes with gym sessions in the morning, then going straight to work and then coming straight to rugby,” he said. “They are long days and it was a bit tough the first few weeks but now I’m two months into it I’m getting far more used to it and it’s becoming normal.”
Thompson, who was a pupil at Plymouth College before moving to Ivybridge Community College, is confident Albion can pick themselves up after their defeat to Esher.
“I have no doubt we will,” he said. “I think that was just a blip in the road. National One is funny old league and from my experience any team can beat any team on their day. It doesn’t seem to go with form.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if in the next few weeks we start beating the top teams or those people think are going to be challenging and really push on.
“I think we have the squad to do it. It’s just about putting performances together and getting on a little run. Then confidence will build and we’ll push on.”