Tribute Devon one

Wessex 18

A large number of vice-presidents dined and then watched Salcombe battle in another crucial game of survival.

Salcombe blew hot and cold all game, just like they have all season. At times they threatened Wessex and had them under lots of pressure before Wessex would capitalise on mistakes to go right down the length of the pitch and get a score.

Playing into a stiff wind away from the clubhouse, Salcombe knew the first half they would be under pressure. Giving away cheap penalties led to the Wessex kicker giving the visitors a 3-0 lead.

At times the Salcombe backs looked good with the ball in hand. Oli Masters and Darren Hopkins combined well down the right-hand side and Salcombe were awarded a penalty. From the resulting touch kick the Salcombe pack began driving their way to the line for the touchdown.

However, the maul was illegally collapsed and another penalty was given. On Salcombe's second attempt the ball was stolen at the line-out and cleared from danger.

A dreadful five minutes then ensued where Salcombe let in two soft tries.

The first try was a result of Wessex simply outnumbering the defence to touch down out wide and the second score came almost from the restart when the Wessex receiver broke through several tackles to make good ground.

The ball was recycled a few times before the centre dummied his was over to score. Once again this season Salcombe were having to play catch up rugby.

Flanker James Cooper was on hand to dive on the loose ball to score for the home side after good work out wide by Darren Clarke.

The kick was missed but the Crabs believed they could turn it around, especially with the strong wind in the second half.

The quality from both sides dropped away in the second half as Salcombe tried to bridge the deficit. The once so secure scrums and line-outs came under constant pressure and scrum-half Lewis Winzer had to feed off scraps for most of the half.

When the Crabs had 10 minutes of sustained pressure inside the opponents' 22 the ball was spilt and the Wessex full-back kicked the loose ball and won the foot race to recover it and score.

The final whistle came soon after and Salcombe were left to ponder another game that got away from them.

No game for the first XV this Saturday but the seconds travel to Plymouth Argaum.