The return value from the flip-flop operator (in scalar context) actually gives you the info you need to skip the first and last values matched.

When the flip-flop operator in scalar 'flips' (when the left hand side is true), it starts at 1 and counts up until it 'flops' (when the right hand side is true). So, skip to the next element when the return value equals 1.

Also, when the flip-flop operator 'flops', it appends 'E0' to the return value. For example, if it finds five matches in a row, it will return (1, 2, 3, 4, '5E0'). So, you should also skip to the next element when the return value contains an E.

Here's how this might be coded:

foreach (@data){
  next unless $check = /start/ .. /stop/;

  next if $check == '1' or $check =~ /E/;

  # do stuff
}
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