Events/News

Semi Final of
papa john community cup

salcombe versus ashley down old boys
saturday 10th may 2025

10-31

Salcombe’s season came to disappointing end on Saturday after being outthought but not necessarily outfought by their determined visitors from Bristol. 
The Papa Johns Community cup is a relatively new competition but over the last few weeks has provided a few highlights for the Crabs even if it did mean playing on concrete like surfaces and a very sober players awards evening – which was an odd one.

The game started at a frantic pace and Old boys clearly came to play some rugby, a little star struck possibly by the occasion Salcombe slipped into an early 24 point deficit. Changes were made from the Crab bench which had the desired impact. Tom Langley brought on at full back gathered the ball on the half way line and covered half a pitch with an allusive and powerful run, sadly he was brought down just short of the line for a memorable solo try only for Liam Wills to scoop up the loose ball and fall over to score.
 
The second half brought more of the same action albeit with Salcombe spending more time on the front foot and getting slightly more of the ball and territory. Unfortunately Ashley Down scored a further converted try to edge the fixture beyond the home team's grasp. With likely hopes of a comeback all but gone the Crabs began to play with more freedom and adventure, forcing more mistakes from the visitors a series of penalties meant a driving line out allowed James Lake who had a magnificent game to score a consolation but richly deserved team try. In the end the better team won but Salcombe will be in a better place for the experience and now know to what they should aspire.
 
With the season consigned to the history books, Salcombe will have mixed feelings some truly brilliant games such as the ones seen in the last few weeks will live long in the memory. However as good as they were there is a feeling of what could have been but for injuries and availability. Things are changing however with a old guard moving on and some great new signings the correct side of 30 giving the squad some energy the possibilities are exciting and Twomeads welcome the test of a new season and the challenges that will bring.