Events/News

Salcombe v Plymstock Albion Oaks II

saturday 22nd November 2025

Schalk Herselman who has played for many years and supported the club in many ways says farewell in his last game. Reaching 50 is a milestone and he has decided enough is enough and hung his boots up for playing for Salcombe. Please come and support and send him off in style, plus live music follows the game. Kick off 2.30pm.



GAME WRITE UP

In conditions far from ideal for the expansive style of rugby Salcombe have showcased in recent weeks, the home side were immediately put under pressure. Receiving the kick-off from Plymstock, Salcombe were penalised for offside, gifting the visitors an early 3 points and raising fears that the afternoon might become a long, muddy battle.

Those concerns quickly faded as the Salcombe pack went to work.

With dominance in every physical exchange, Salcombe’s forwards laid the foundation for the opening try. Tom Harvey picked from close range and powered over the line, though the conversion drifted wide.

Maintaining momentum, Salcombe continued to apply pressure. A small gap opened for returning utility player Marco Alfano-Rogers, who sliced through the Plymstock defence with a superb running line to score in the corner. Lee Clarke added the extras.

Salcombe’s kicking game then pinned Plymstock deep in their own 22, and with dominant collisions and clever offloads, space opened for James Lake to cross untouched for Salcombe’s third try. No conversion followed, but Salcombe had built a commanding lead by halftime.

Plymstock began the second half with renewed energy, pinning Salcombe in their own 22. Their persistence finally paid off as they broke through Salcombe’s resolute defence to score in the corner, narrowing the margin. No extras added.

Salcombe’s response was immediate and emphatic. Alfano-Rogers, dangerous all afternoon, collected the ball and carved through multiple defenders to score Salcombe’s bonus-point try. Again, the extras went untaken.

However, discipline soon became an issue for the home side. With the penalty count rising, the referee was forced to reach into his pocket repeatedly. Reduced to 12 men, Salcombe refused to fold. Instead, they ramped up their intensity, forcing errors from the visitors.

From this pressure, Matt Harvey rumbled over in the corner for Salcombe’s fifth try.

As the game approached its final moments, Salcombe smelled blood. Aggressive defensive pressure forced yet another Plymstock mistake, allowing James Lake to add his second try of the afternoon. Clarke slotted the conversion to close out the scoring.

The final whistle marked more than the end of a well-earned victory. It signaled the close of an era for Salcombe stalwart Schalk Herselman, who chose his 50th birthday as the moment to hang up his boots. The club and teammates extend their heartfelt thanks for his years of dedication, leadership and service he will be sorely missed on the field. Man of the match went to Toby Woods for an all round outstanding performance. 

Salcombe also thank the Victoria Inn and the club staff for food and drink post match.

Next week, The Crabs face their toughest challenge yet as they host league leaders Brixham. The club calls on all supporters to pack out Twomeads and help push the boys on.