Saltash made up the visitors numbers at the Chapel Field, then stoked up a 26 point lead with tries from Steve Woolway, Dominic Waites, Graham West and Steve Brown and three conversions from John Nicholls.
The Plymstock ranks were further reduced with three first half injuries, and at half time it was agreed that the second half would be of thirty minutes duration only, with Saltash flanker Steve Brown switching sides to even the contest.
But with just five second half minutes on the clock. Brown, in only his second game back at Saltash after a lengthy lay off was himself helped off with a dislocated shoulder — and referee David Mason had no alternative but to call an early halt.