100th Barry Cup win!

The middle Saturday of the Easter weekend 2024 saw the momentous occasion of the 100^th  anniversary of the traditional Barry Cup fixture between Salcombe and Buckfastleigh. Historically played home and away in alternate seasons between the two teams it has always been a full blooded and keenly contested affair with this year being no different, not least because this years match is likely to be the last, if not ever then certainly for some years until such time as Buckfastleigh can rebuild and reform.
 
The match itself once underway was more physical than skillful and the sizeable crowd were treated to a battle that rarely saw expansive running lines or innovative attacking plays from either team. Buckfastleigh probably had the best of the first 20 minutes and much of this time was spent hammering the Crab’s try line but for a resolute defence to be more than equal to the threat. Almost as if having blown themselves out the Ramblers allowed Salcombe back into the match in the second quarter with a reverse of the first period being played out. The difference this time was that the Crabs managed to execute two such opportunities the first from Jay Hannaford who scurried loose from the back of a line out and slide through a gap close to the posts and the second from Dom Loomes who took the ball at close range to bisect the uprights without challenge. The second half turned out to be a very cagey 40 minutes, several “disagreements” were dealt with by the referee by the use of yellow cards and nothing particularly meaningful occurred until the final moments when Buckfastleigh scored what everyone hopes will not be their final ever try.
 
First of all, all at Salcombe would like to thank Buckfastleigh RFC for the sustained relationship both clubs have enjoyed over the years and to the two chairmen for working hard to make sure this particular fixture could take place under difficult circumstances. As always SRFC players thank all the supporters, the referee, junior section for providing mascots, bar staff and volunteers for making Twomeads the place it is on match day.

Notable performances were from Dave Evans on a break from his break from rugby, Toby Woods who was a constant threat in the loose and deadly accurate in his set piece and Lee Clarke who had his personal performance of the year at 10. Man of the match however was Jay Hannaford who put in a robust display in all facets of the game and finished his try with aplomb. Special mention also to former captain James Cooper and Schaulk Herselman out of retirement once again and to another former captain Stu Winzer along with other guests Jack Winzer, Harry Henderson and Dan Gloyns.     

Salcombe RFC wish all the best for the future to Buckfastleigh RFC in whatever form that may be and whenever that may be, South Devon rugby is worse off for every club that cannot continue to function and we urge any supporters of the game to get behind their local club before it is too late.