Barry Cup

Contested between the two clubs since 1923, in recent years the cup has rarely left the Crabs' trophy cabinet.

But on Saturday Buckfastleigh, having won the Devon Vase the previous week, came to Salcombe determined to win back the Barry Cup for the first time in six years.

They played with greater urgency than Salcombe and deserved to win a tight match, although the final scoreline rather flattered them.

Ten minutes from time the Crabs were only 11-12 down having scored a drop goal and a try in the previous 15 minutes in reply to the visitors' four penalties. But a late flurry from Buckfastleigh saw them score two converted tries to make the difference.

Salcombe started without seven regular players, five of them in the backs, and an injury after five minutes forced Darren Hopkins, one of the few backs left, off the field, leaving Salcombe short of strike runners.

The first half, therefore, was very much about a forward battle, with the Crabs playing against the wind and facing the sun.

Inevitably mistakes occurred and the visitors' excellent kicker put over three penalties, one from the halfway line, to bring up a first-half score of 9-0 to Buckfastleigh.

Turning round to their favourite Clubhouse end and with the wind and the sun at their backs, Salcombe were favourite to quickly turn the score around. Lee Clarke kicked a penalty but the visitors then replied with another penalty of their own.

The Crabs then put in their best period of the game. Clarke, sensing the lack of cutting edge outside him, opted for a brilliantly taken drop goal from the 22 and at an angle and this was followed up by his brother Darren scoring a difficult try to end a good Salcombe move right by the touchline.

Lee Clarke's conversion failed and from the kick-off the Crabs made a mess of gathering the kick, giving the visitors the opportunity to set up a position from which they notched up their first try. This was quickly followed by their second, both well converted, to end the match.

This Saturday the Crabs are holding their 125th year reunion dinner and players' awards at Cliff House, with dancing afterwards to Vicious Kitten. Tickets are £25 and a few are still available behind the bar. (phone 842639)