Tribute Devon One

Torrington 6

This was an important win for the Crabs because, with Topsham and Dartmouth both losing, this bonus point win lifted Salcombe out of immediate danger.

Even so a win away at Topsham this Saturday is vital to put the club some distance from the relegation zone.

Salcombe started well, with Oli Masters making the first of a number of searing breaks only for a vital pass to go to ground. But territory had been won and an infringement by the visitors gave Chris Drew the chance to pop over the penalty.

However, a Salcombe error at the other end allowed Torrington to level the scores at three all before Salcombe started to assert themselves in terms of possession and territory.

As they moved steadily into Torrington's 22, a charging run by lock Scott Lowry saw him link up with Mark Parnowski on the wing, who went over wide out to move the score on to 8-3 to the Crabs.

Further Salcombe pressure resulted in a scrum 10 yards out from the visitors' line and when their scrum-half, struggling with slow ball, tried to kick clear, the excellent Ian Smerdon charged down and gathered the ball for the try.

The conversion failed but the score now moved to 13-3.

Salcombe were now well and truly in the driving seat, although they missed several chances to score, including one where Masters thought his momentum had carried him over the line only for the referee to judge that it was a second movement and disallow it.

Just before half-time Drew slotted a second penalty to bring the score to 16-3 at the break.

The second half repeated the pattern of the first, with Torrington not looking threatening and with Salcombe firmly having the bonus point in their sights.

Throughout the side everyone was playing well and all looked hungry for the ball and to make sure that if the visitors had it that they were not going to make anything of it.

Lee, alias Tubs, Clarke was particularly impressive at full-back, catching any Torrington clearance kick and running it back at them or kicking judiciously into open spaces. Definitely his best game by far in a Salcombe shirt.

With the Crabs exerting constant control, further scores seemed inevitable and following a series of rucks outstanding flanker James Palmer scored the third try which Drew converted.

Soon after Torrington added another penalty and the score stood at 23-6.

Salcombe then got their just reward when a fine run by Darren Clarke ended with him slipping a neat inside pass to the ever-present Smerdon for the fourth and bonus-winning try.

The kick failed but Salcombe had secured the full five points and run out winners at 28-6, their best league score for some years.

This week the first team play Topsham away in a rearranged league game, kick-off 2.30pm and the second team entertain DHSOB at home, again at 2.30pm.