Events/News

Salcombe v Old technicians

18th october 2025

Salcombe returned to winning ways on Saturday with a hard-fought 25–17 victory over long-time rivals Old Techs at Twomeads. Building on the momentum from last week's spirited performance away at Torquay, the Crabs showed grit, discipline (mostly), and flashes of attacking brilliance to secure a well-earned victory.

With Salcombe playing into a strong wind in the first half, Old Techs applied early pressure and were rewarded with two penalties, giving them a 6–0 lead. But Salcombe’s defence, despite being camped in their own 22, held firm with crunching tackles and jackal turnovers from both second rows Dan Sinnott and Jasper Walter. The tide turned with a moment of individual brilliance from Daz Clarke Jnr, who broke through the defence to score in the clubhouse corner. Although the conversion went wide, the home side began to find their rhythm.

Despite Salcombe gaining momentum, an increasing penalty count kept Old Techs in the game. After a yellow card reduced Salcombe to 14, Old Techs capitalised on an overlap to score in the corner — unconverted.

On the stroke of half time, the pressure flipped. Old Techs conceded a penalty and saw a man sent to the bin. Salcombe took full advantage, with Adam Squire finishing well in the clubhouse corner. Clarke added the extras, giving Salcombe a slender lead at the break.

Sensing opportunity, Salcombe came out firing in the second half, now playing with the wind. Repeating Old Techs' first-half tactics, they pinned their opposition back. However, ongoing discipline issues saw further penalties and temporary exclusions disrupt momentum.

Eventually, the pressure told. A penalty kick to the corner set up a driving maul, and peeling from the back of the resulting maul, Toby Woods with a dummy that even fooled the entirety of the pack and with a lurking Matt Harvey who’s been watching too many videos of props who think they’re wingers, chalked up another try for Salcombe. Clarke added the conversion to stretch the lead.

Salcombe’s final score came courtesy of Lee Clarke, taking advantage of Old Techs being permanently reduced to 14 men. A late penalty in front of the posts robbed Old Techs of even a losing bonus point, leaving them with nothing to show for their efforts.

Salcombe now turn their attention to next weekend’s Papa Johns Cup clash at home against Exeter Athletic. While their quick starts and attacking flair remain positives, a significantly lower penalty count will be key to success.

A big thank you goes to the bar staff, catering team, and The Vic for their continued support and post-match hospitality.