Plymouth Argaum gave a good account of themselves in the Pedrick Cup Final last night before eventually sucumbing in the second half to Plympton Victoria. With the score even at the break, it looked like Argaum may be able to pull off a shock, however it was the more experienced Plympton unit who eventually prevailed. There were signs of promise for next season though, and the boys could be proud of their effort.

 

The pitches at Bickleigh Down have seen many good players over the years but it is not very often they have been graced by a British Lion and for the home side to triumph on such an occasion must be an even rarer event.

From the archives was found this match programme from the 1960 Boxing Day Match against usual opponents OPMs but what is quite remarkable is that it was one of 4 matches taking place that day at Bickleigh Down.

Saltash hosted Devon 2’s bottom side Plymouth Argaum in the Pedrick Cup Semi final. With high winds and very muddy conditions under foot meat there was very little chance for an attractive game. Saltash took the lead with a penalty after Argaum hooker Mark Handley entered a ruck from the side after 18 minutes. Argaum then lost their fly half, John Taylor with an injured knee after 30 minutes much to the concern of his Father Ian who was playing 2nd Row. He was replaced by Paul Simons who immediately made his presence felt with a bone crunching tackle on the Saltash Number 8. Argaum now dominated the forward play and Saltash were put on the back foot. Argaum Prop Ed Noltey crashed his way through the Saltash defence to score a try just before half time. After the re-start Argaum kept Saltash in their own 22 for most of the second half, although to their credit, Saltash put up an strong defence and stopped Argaum scoring 3 more tries with some desperate tackling. Argaum were awarded a penalty for Saltash not releasing a tackled playing and Argaum full Back Mike Wood added 3 more points to the scoreboard. Argaum now progress through the Pedrick Cup Final.