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Salcombe Reserves 6 pts

Seale Hayne College 6 pts

Fourteen‑year‑old schoolboy F. Inch stole the honours in Salcombe Reserves’ match with Seale Hayne College at Two Meads on Saturday.

Adopting unorthodox tactics at scrum‑half, he sent out a splendid service to his outsides, enabling them to produce some fine open play.

The College were first to attack and, after a series of raids on the Salcombe line, were awarded a penalty which Morrison goaled.

The visitors continued their attacks and, from point‑blank range, Chiffney dropped a clever goal.

Salcombe improved towards the end of the first half and were unlucky not to open their account on two occasions.

Shortly after the restart, Inch initiated a good movement for Martin to pass to Ingram, who touched down an unconverted try in the corner.

The Reserves were now having more of the play and, with good service from the set scrums — thanks to the fine hooking of D. Shepherd — produced some excellent handling.

The visitors’ defence was hard‑pressed, but it was not until just before the final whistle that Best put Salcombe level with a penalty goal from a difficult angle.

Tomorrow’s Teams

Salcombe v Plymouth Albion United at Beacon Park 

Coach leaves 1.15 p.m.

Team: J. Dormer; R. Broad, P. Lamble, J. Jordan, T. Wilkins; P. Symons, R. Martin; K. Richards, D. Seccombe, R. Friend, D. Adams, R. Salter, A. N. Other, I. Foale, B. Cater.

Salcombe Res. v R.N. College Dartmouth III at Twomeads 

Kick‑off 3 p.m.

Team: J. Best, D. Parsons, J. Mort, B. Mort, J. Jellard, M. Lapthorne, G. Mulligan; J. Rolphe, D. Shepherd, C. Bennett, O. Burne, A. Tabb, N. Chope, J. Stone, J. Grimes.   Reserves: F. Inch, J. Towell.

Try from dasher Davies

Devonport High Old Boys completed the first half of their season with a hard‑earned 14–6 win over Old Public Oaks at Efford.

But they were full of praise for the sparkling move which enabled their opponents to hit back five minutes from the end.

Slick passing between Steve Philpott and Keith Potter yielded a splendid try from centre Owen Davies, which Philpott converted.

Prop Leon Payne, lock John Hooper and half‑backs Chris Hill and Peter Ireland — who scored one of their tries — played major roles in the Devonport success.

They were 10 points ahead at half‑time. Wingers Neil Adams and Walker Lapthorne brushed through the Oaks’ defence and Duncan Boase landed one conversion.

OPMs fielded two teams away to Salcombe and both acquitted themselves well.

Salcombe had the edge in the second half of the Chiefs game and turned a 3–4 interval deficit into a 16–4 victory. Number eight Tim Wescott scored the visitors’ try and there were some deft touches from centre Mark Ward.

Chris Johnson kicked a penalty in each half for Salcombe and improved one of the tries by winger Alan Thomas and fullback Nick Smith.

The second‑team match finished at 13–13. Kevin Davidson and Mark Hawkins crossed and Chris Johnson put over a conversion and a penalty. Flanker Steve Adams replied and John Clarke’s three penalties levelled matters.

Plymouth Albion United brought off a convincing 16–3 win over Newton Abbot Reserves with only seven forwards, but the transformation their attack underwent after half‑time was unexpected.

Trent penalty, Allen established a slender lead, centre Peter Lockett defence‑splitting run.

Lockett completed a hat‑trick for United and, after good work by Kevin Norris, prop Martin Aldridge — recently returned from Paignton — rounded off affairs with a smart solo try.

It was a fine day at Tavistock. Fly‑half Dave Allen featured in the 45–3 rout of St Columba at Torpoint, and Philip de Glanville — who scored twice — was making his last appearance before embarking on a nine‑month trip to Australia.

HARD WORK IN MUD

Salcombe 15 pts

Tamar Saracens 10

Salcombe made hard work of defeating Saracens on a badly waterlogged pitch. In all respects Salcombe were the superior side but could not match their efforts of the previous Sunday against South Hams.

Saracens started well, but a strong Salcombe pack soon had their opposite numbers in trouble and Paul went over for two push‑over tries.

Saracens came back and, when a clearance kick was charged down, the Saracens hooker went over for a try. They added two penalties to take the lead.

Salcombe stormed back with inspired running rugby when all the backs linked to put Lidstone over for a try. He then added a further penalty in the dying seconds.

Salcombe 2nds 4 pts

Exeter B 22

Salcombe deserved more than their four points as they spent much of the game camped in Exeter’s territory. But they couldn’t convert pressure into points, while Exeter made the most of their possession to score four tries, three converted.

Although Salcombe stuck to their task well, they couldn’t break a strong Exeter defence. Their points came from an up‑and‑under by John Dornan which Exeter fumbled, allowing Martin Neal to touch down.

Quay Barbarians 8 pts

Plymouth Poly 3

Following their 41–0 victory over Plympton last week, The Quay hosted a young and fit Poly side, making for a fast‑flowing game.

Good tackling by the Barbarians’ backs stifled Poly’s runs and set off fine attacks of their own, twice leading to tries by centre Peter Mitchell.

The pack played well, with Peter Edwards at prop, Darren Green and Martin Neal at wing forward, and Steve Williams in the second row standing out.

Poly’s only reply was a penalty.

Copy of an extract taken from the Exeter Football Express

of Feb. 10th, 1951.

In these times of frequency of penalties,

“feeling creeping into the game” — that benevolent cliché which may cloak a multitude of ugly sins — and players of even international status being sent off, it is refreshing to read a word or two of uplift from Mr. H. G. Webber of St Thomas, Exeter, vice‑president of the Devon Rugby Referees’ Society.

Writing to Ald. J. White, hon. secretary of Torquay, about the splendid game he experienced when Salcombe entertained Torquay Harlequins on February 3rd, Mr Webber stated:

“I feel it my duty, as a referee for many years, to say I never had a better match, because your lads tried, all the time, although beaten, to open the game up.

“I never heard one complaint and it speaks well for the future of Rugby in Torquay to think that young players coming along did not criticise the referee once during the game.

“It will take a very smart junior side to beat Salcombe this year, and it certainly will be no disgrace to be beaten by a side of this quality.”

BEST AT TWOMEADS FOR YEARS

Salcombe 35 pts

Torquay Ath 2nds 0

This was one of the most emphatic victories by a Salcombe team at Twomeads for many years. A first‑class display of all‑round rugby gained the admiration of even the most impartial spectators.

Salcombe’s pack was the cornerstone of the success, the front row — in which Taylor was outstanding — demoralising the opposition. He took 10 strikes against the head and, with Brimmacombe holding just about everything at the line‑outs, Torquay were reduced to an undignified scramble for possession.

The home team were no less effective in the loose, with Tony Paul capping a fine individual performance by scoring a hat‑trick of tries.

There were passages of quite outstanding rugby throughout the match, one of the most memorable from Brimmacombe, Rothwell and Knight who combined brilliantly to set up Johnson for a try. Johnson also kicked four conversions and a penalty to bring his personal points tally to 15.

Thomas and Knight also scored tries in what was a superb team performance.

Salcombe 4 pts

Devon and Cornwall Police 31

Salcombe tired during the second half of this special centenary match, their efforts against Torquay taking their toll.

Police, boasting three county players, scored four tries, a result of their superiority in loose play.

Salcombe opened the scoring with a fine try by Squires, but despite having the better of play in the tight, they were unable to break through again.

Four tries late in the match gave the score a lopsided look and hardly did justice to the efforts of Roberts, Rothwell and Brimmacombe in the pack and Gibbons, Johnson and McLoud in the backs.

Salcombe 2nds 15 pts

Torquay Ath 3rds 15

Two penalties, given away in front of the posts near the end of the match, cost Salcombe victory over Torquay.

Two Lidstone penalties brought Salcombe first‑half points against the try and penalty of Torquay.

During the second half Salcombe turned on the pressure and Lidstone quickly landed a drop goal. A pushover try and Lidstone’s conversion took the home team to a point where victory seemed a certainty, but then came two costly errors.

Hawkins, Chope and Hesse stood out in a good team performance.

Friday, December 4, 1987

SALCOMBE COME DOWN TO EARTH

Brixham 2nds 18

Salcombe 9

After several high‑scoring games, Salcombe were brought back to earth in a hard‑fought contest.

Despite plenty of effort and possession, their play was disjointed and the tackling below par.

C Johnson kicked a penalty to open Salcombe’s account, and T Paul scored a try which Johnson converted.

Brixham, however, kept the pressure on and sealed the win with late points in the final minutes.

South Hams sink HMS Defiance without trace

South Hams 58

HMS Defiance 18

South Hams’ backs produced an outstanding display.

Simon Gibbons, Chris Johnson, Andy Pearson, Ryan Hooper, Tim Kingdom and Stuart Vincent all featured prominently.

Pearson scored four tries and kicked four conversions.

Hooper added three tries, Kingdom three, and Vincent one, with Johnson kicking three conversions.

South Hams’ next match will be on January 10 against Salcombe as part of the Twomeads club’s centenary celebrations.

Salcombe A 10 pts

Ivybridge Vandals 6

Salcombe’s biggest problem was the sheer size of the Vandals pack, whose extra weight made possession scrappy throughout.

The Salcombe backs, however, played extremely well, with the new partnership of Hodder and Hodge looking particularly promising.

Rothwell scored a try which Johnson converted. Ivybridge replied with two penalties to take the lead.

Five minutes from time Salcombe secured victory when Paul went over for the winning try.

Support your local team!!

Prince Rock 15 pts

Salcombe 9

Although Salcombe took their leave of the Devon Cup for another season, they did at least repair some of the damage done to their confidence the previous day at Kingsbridge.

The pack in particular raised their play to a standard which caused the strong Prince Rock team a great many problems before they finally clinched victory.

The two tries they did score came by way of handling errors by the Salcombe backs which allowed the sharper Prince Rock threequarters to take full advantage.

Salcombe scored a try through Brian Cooper and Jonathan Dornom kicked a conversion and penalty.

Worthy of mention for the visitors was Tony Paul, who did a remarkable job at scrum half considering he is normally part of the pack, and wing forward Kevin Davidson.

A larger disappointment for the Salcombe team was the lack of support they received in what was an important match. They will be hoping for more tomorrow at Twomeads when Ivybridge are the visitors for a vital South Hams Cup match. Kick off is at 2.30 pm.

Salcombe A 4 pts

Seale Hayne Seconds 3

Salcombe overcame a Seale Hayne team containing several first teamers and the shock of seeing Ian Hatch sent off for allegedly punching an opponent to continue their quite remarkable run of success.

Although there were no points on the board at the interval there had been no shortage of running rugby.

In the second half Seale Hayne battled well and took the lead with a penalty, but Salcombe were not to be beaten and went close on many occasions before Tony Paul touched down for the winning try.

SALCOMBE DOUBLE UP

Teignmouth A 7 pts

Salcombe 18

Salcombe gained their first double of the season thanks to a spirited second‑half performance which overwhelmed the home team.

The match was played in a clinging quagmire which Salcombe found restricting in the early stages and which the home team used to help their spoiling tactics.

Although Salcombe twice took the lead with a Dornom penalty and then a drop goal from Lidstone, Teignmouth forced their way into an interval lead with a try scored by the tight‑head prop after a scramble near the line, and a penalty.

There was a question mark regarding Salcombe’s commitment during the first half, but certainly not after the break.

Teignmouth kicked off into Salcombe territory, but rarely crossed the halfway line for the remainder of the match.

It was all Salcombe and it came as no surprise when Lidstone scythed through the home defence for the first try.

Squire and Brimacombe ran strongly at centre, using the endless stream of second‑phase possession produced by the forwards, who by this time were in top gear.

With Dornom coming into the line an overlap frequently gave the wingers room to move and both Smith and Gibbens made the most of it to score tries.

Lidstone was unfortunate to see a wide penalty hit a post, but the disappointment was only momentary and Salcombe went on to dominate the rest of the encounter.

Friday, February 5, 1982

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER

Teignmouth A 4 pts

Salcombe 24

Only in the final 10 minutes did Salcombe play anything like a team, adding a further 12 points to give the scoreline an unrealistic look.

For the greater part of the 80 minutes Salcombe made heavy weather of a fairly ordinary Teignmouth team.

Salcombe took the lead when Tony Paul made a good break from the halfway line. Although he just failed to make the line, Simon O’Reilly had backed up well and completed the move. Mark Lidstone kicked the conversion and then added a penalty.

Teignmouth came back with a try, only for Lidstone to open the gap with another penalty.

During the final 10 minutes Salcombe at last began to look the part and after good running by the outsides, Bruce Harding took an inside pass to score.

Shortly after, Lidstone took the ball up the loop and went over in a corner.

Salcombe A 9 pts

Jesters A 0

Although full of confidence after two good wins, Salcombe were forced to defend against a strong wind in a scrappy first half.

They held out with a well‑organised defence and some telling tackling and went into the second half determined to make their superior ability count.

Their attacks were soon rewarded with a textbook try. Fly half Nick Smith, making a half break, found Tim Hodder who in turn beat several players before giving James Savery the opportunity to go over. Hodder converted and then increased the score with a penalty.

Chris Hodder’s debut came to an end with a leg injury, but he had done enough to show he will be a useful addition to the team.

Salcombe 24 pts

59 Commando 0

Salcombe’s exceptional season continued with a comprehensive victory over 59 Commando. Their running game was at its best, with forwards and backs combining superbly to dominate throughout.

Tregelles opened the scoring with a strong run, followed by Allen finishing off a flowing movement. Lidstone added another try after persistent pressure, and Squire powered over from close range. Smith completed the tally with a well‑worked effort.

Gibbens converted two of the tries, and the Commando side—despite determined defence—became increasingly frustrated as Salcombe’s teamwork and pace proved too much.

Salcombe A 14 pts

Teignmouth A 8

Despite fielding only 14 players, Salcombe proved too strong for Teignmouth. Tim Hodder opened the scoring after a break by Nick Smith. Teignmouth replied with two unconverted tries.

Simon Kraeter and Mark Hawkins combined for another Salcombe try, which Hodder converted. Marco Brimmacombe added a score on his debut, and Nick Pedley also impressed on his first appearance.

Alan Thomas was selected to represent South Devon Colts after a trial at Paignton.

Prince Rock 25 pts

Salcombe 7

SALCOMBE’s recent run of success was brought to a halt not so much by Prince Rock, but because of their strange lack of fire and aggression. It was strange because of what had gone before.

They did match the opposition in the scrums and line-outs, but what ball they did win was untidy, making life difficult for the half backs. The outsides were hesitant, tending to invite trouble and, to finish off a tale of woe, the tackling was poor.

Salcombe’s only bright spell was shortly after half time when Nick Smith weaved his way through and, with support from the forwards, crashed over for a try to add to an earlier penalty by Chris Johnson.