South West Division

Tribute Devon Two

Salcombe completed the league double with a hard-fought victory over their Devon Two rivals in front of a large and vocal crowd.

Straight from the kick-off Salcombe worked their way up the pitch and turned down a kickable penalty attempt, instead kicking for the corner for the catch and drive.

Dartmouth's stubborn defence at close quarters thwarted the Crabs in their attempt to drive over the line. Poor discipline from the Crabs enabled the home side to relieve pressure and clear their lines.

The Salcombe centre partnership of Ian Smerdon and Oli Masters worked well in defence and stopped Dartmouth from crossing the gain line at every attempt.

Going back to their 10-man style of rugby, Dartmouth inched down the field and were rewarded with a penalty when Salcombe committed an offence at the breakdown. Fly half Richard Lobb gave the home team the lead with a well-struck penalty.

Back came the Crabs immediately and levelled the score within minutes when Chris Drew kicked a penalty from wide out.

The game stalled at times due to both sides' poor handling and ill-discipline, but you always felt it was the Salcombe side that could kick on and raise the tempo of the game.

The Salcombe back three of Shalk Herselman, Kieron Clarke and Lee Clarke dealt with

the ball over the top well. Herselman in particular had a great game defensively and showed a cool head while ­fielding tricky high balls.

Half time with the score at three apiece, Salcombe knew they had to keep to their game plan but cut out the penalties.

Inside the opening 10 minutes of the second half Dartmouth threw everything at the Crabs and saw a penalty attempt sail wide. Once the Crabs weathered the storm their superior fitness began to shine through. Second rows Sean Baker and James Cooper carried the ball well to cross the gain line, while flankers Jay Hannaford and James Palmer made Dartmouth work extremely hard at ­breakdowns.

Palmer was a constant ­physical threat to Dartmouth and at one point picked up the opposition scrum half and drove him backwards for 10 metres.

With Dartmouth tiring they started to concede penalties as Salcombe threw everything at them. Fly half Drew stepped up and added two further penalties to extend the lead for Salcombe and put them well in control of the game.

Into the final few minutes and Salcombe replacement winger Matt Farleigh could have scored his first try for the Crabs, but the final pass was adjudged to have been forward.

Overall a controlled display from Salcombe in which the result of the game meant more than the performance, as they now stand third in the league.

This weekend Salcombe travel to Devon One side New Cross in the Devon Junior Vase competition hoping to cause an upset.

The club are hoping to put out a second team fixture at home, so check the club's Facebook page and Twitter feed @salcomberfc for details and all the latest news from the club.