SRFC Vs Plym Vic

In what was very much a game of two halves Salcombe struggled in the first 40 minutes to impose any sort of authority on a game that history tells us can be sometimes one sided. Effective and disciplined play by the visitors limited Salcombe’s opportunities and as the first half progressed the Crabs got more and more agitated at their inability to effect the score board. Eventually they managed a breakthrough thanks to Jordan Andterton picking off a loose pass before feeding his centre partner Liam Wills to score close to the posts. Plym Vic then failed at penalty shot at goal in response but still frustrated the impatient crabs who knew that they should be making more of an impact on the game. A rare piece of sustained possession and pressure forced the visitors concede a penalty just inside their 22 meter line, the ball then finding its way to flanker Matt Gibbens (recently back onto the pitch following an enforced rest) who cut a neat angle to under the posts without challenge.
 
A half time score of 14 – 0 to the hosts was not what was anticipated at the outset and Salcombe knew they had to look deep to fix the issues that were holding them back as the potential seemed to be present but not the composure to execute their intent. Orange peel removed and focus renewed, Salcombe got of to a great start with Gibbens bagging his second try, similar to the first but this time bouncing off several defenders before scoring. Another try followed quickly after with a cross field kick from fly half Eoghan Grace springing conveniently for wing Sam Wilkins to gather and sprint clear. Provider turned scorer next as the Crabs began to find their feet, Anderton made a break before supplying Wills who looked like he was going to add to his tally before a no look, out the back, reverse pass to Grace allowed the player coach to score his first try for a good while. More tries followed, Top Scorer Anderton managed one for himself before near identical breaks put over Lee Clarke and then James Lake to score in the corner. Oddly Plym Vic decided to take the points that were on offer at this point and kicked two penalties rather than go for any consolation try, but these points were just deserved for the Plym Vic scrum half who was the visitors man of the match. A seventh and final try of the half for Salcombe  was once again set up by Anderton who did much of the hard work before passing to wing Oli Masters, whom he’d ignored all afternoon to provide a classy and well taken finish to close out the scoreing.     
 
With most of the attention on the second half, notable performances came from across the squad, Gibbens was abrasive and threatening all afternoon, Second Row Nick Roberts had his best game in a Salcombe shirt and Clarke finished with a personal points total of 17. Man of the Match however went once again to the selfless Anderton, responsible for much of the good work that led to points.
The playing squad would like to thank as always the staff and volunteers behind the bar and kitchen, the referee and of course Plym Vic whom we always enjoy playing and hosting post match. The Crabs visit Totnes next week in a local South Hams derby which is likely to be another bruising encounter that Salcombe need to win to have any hope of achieving a top 4 finish.