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Topsham 5,

For the second week running the Crabs stepped up to the mark to produce a fantastic result.

With both clubs fighting for league survival it was a game Salcombe knew they had to get something out of. Playing into a strong wind on one of the league's biggest pitches, Salcombe anticipated been pinned back inside their half by the home side.

However, Topsham never used the wind to create pressure and any kicks they did send down were run back with interest by the Salcombe back three. Salcombe caused Topsham problems all over the park.

Quick turnover ball led to fine breaks by Oli Masters and Darren Clarke to give Salcombe good field position. The forwards attempted to smash their way over the try line but kept being denied by some stout defending.

As soon as captain Lewis Winzer shipped the ball outside, the Salcombe backs showed great simple hands to send full-back Lee Clarke to score wide out. Chris Drew kicked a magnificent conversion into the wind to make it a 7-0 lead midway through the first half.

The end of the first half saw Topsham threaten Salcombe's goal line. A penalty was kicked to the corner and from the resultant catch and drives the Crabs were under real pressure.

Fantastic defending from Jim Winzer and James Palmer led to Salcombe turning over the ball right on the stroke of half-time.

Into the second half with the wind at their backs, Salcombe showed how to play territory rugby with fly-half Chris Drew pegging the Topsham team inside their half time and time again with some pinpoint kicking.

James Cooper, on for the injured Ian Smerdon, provided some much-needed energy to the hard working pack.

It was the pack again who tried to batter through the opposition's defence after a period of sustained pressure.

Finally the ball was given to the backs who once again spun it out wide with speed and efficiency allowing winger Darren Hopkins to cross for Salcombe's second score.

Salcombe's third try came after a great kick chase by Darren Clarke. The speedy winger charged down the full back's attempted clearance and gathered the ball to outpace the defence to score in the corner.

Both conversions were missed in the windy conditions but Salcombe knew the game was won and the search for the bonus point was on.

Towards the end of the game the Crabs were reduced to 13 men with Lee Clarke being sent to the bin for being offside and Jim Winzer for having handbags with former Salcombe player Alan Steer.

Salcombe's discipline must improve or better teams will punish them.

With the time running out Salcombe gambled with a tap penalty looking for the fourth try. Topsham turned over the ball and scored their only points under the posts with the last play. The conversion attempt miserably failed.

While Salcombe's three-quarter line scored the points, the pack worked tirelessly all afternoon.

Stuart Winzer inspired the forwards with a huge game and the half-back pairing of Lewis Winzer and Chris Drew managed the game superbly. With the win under their belts Salcombe move closer to mid table.

The team above them, Totnes, are the next opponents for the Crabs this Saturday away at 2.30pm.