Events/News

Salcombe  were unable to make it back to back derby wins on Saturday despite a hugely physical performance that was sure to leave bruised and battered bodies on both sides.
The Crabs began well in front of a host of ex-players enjoying their annual luncheon, incursions from wing Charlie Rawlinson and skipper James Lake were unlucky not to generate an opportunity of points. Further tactical kicking from backs Eoghan Grace and Jordan Anderton maintained sustained territorial advantage but a number of loose line outs let the visitors off the hook.
 
Dartmouth then opened the scoring with a penalty try due to a dangerous tackle as their player was approaching the try line. Salcombe bit back swiftly with a penalty from replacement wing Lee Clarke to make the half time score 3 – 7. The next 20 minutes belonged to Dartmouth, 2 yellow cards to Salcombe, both harsh it appeared, gave the away team the advantage which they made the most of with 2 kicks at goal, the first which was successful and the second which missed. Unfortunately the resulting 22 drop out set Dartmouth up perfectly for a try under the posts and a commanding but not unassailable lead. At this point the game seemed to turn, Dartmouth were temporarily reduced to 13 men with 2 yellow cards of their own and another penalty from Clarke reduced the arrears to a margin that seemed within grasp. 

With the back line firing and aided by the flank pairing of Matt Gibbens and the retuning Will Grant hammering the defenders, the increasingly fragile defence looked like it might finally be about to break. Twice full back John Squire, at last with a bit of space in front of him, looked to take on the tiring tacklers but each time the touch line coming agonisingly into play and bringing up the final score of 6 – 17.
 
The Salcombe coaching team had asked for a performance and an aggressive edge that have been mostly lacking since the turn of the year. In this respect they met their target and if the Crabs can bring this type of hostility week after week then they may be able to replicate the type of season that the current unbeaten league champions elect Dartmouth are having as on this display the margin of difference was not a big one. Notable performances from the abrasive Matt Harvey and Nick Roberts - called into the starting line up last minute and who enjoyed his finest display in a Salcombe shirt, Will Grant whose injury problems look to be a thing of the past and Liam Wills who I forgot to mention last week. Man of the Match however went to fly half Grace who managed the game under significant pressure and put in some eye watering tackles.
 
The playing squad would like to thank as always the staff and volunteers behind the bar and kitchen, the referee and of course Dartmouth. The players would also like to thank the large crown of assembled dignitaries and ex players who made their voices heard and whose support is always valued on and off the pitch. The Crabs visit Plymstock Albion Oaks next week which is likely to be another bruising encounter but one that they will need to win in order to build on todays showing and ensure the seasons goals remain on track.