ILFRACOMBE picked up the first Devon silverware of the season by overcoming Salcombe 20-3 at a windy Brimlands in the Junior Plate final on Saturday.
The hosts led 7-0 at the break thanks to a try from 22 metres by Pete Gammon, which Jamie Matthews converted.
They had to wait until the 54th minute to increase their lead when Adam Wyatt crossed for his ninth of the season. However, in scoring he dislocated his shoulder and had to go off.
Salcombe, who were missing a number of players and had a makeshift front-row, cut the gap with a Lee Clarke penalty.
But Ilfracombe were not to be denied and Matthews kicked a penalty on 73 minutes before Stuart Pickard added a try two minutes from time to seal the Devon Junior Plate.
Both clubs top their respective Devon Merit Table leagues and could get meet again in the David Butt Trophy.
Salcombe were disappointed they were not able to show their best form on Saturday.
“We had quite a few people away and didn’t have our normal front-row,” said James Cooper. “But they (Ilfrcombe) played well. It was not our day but we will take a lot of positives from it.”
