TEIGNMOUTH moved on from their defeat by Winscombe with an ultimately convincing 29-13 win over visiting Truro.
Pete Parsons, the Teignmouth captain, described the performance as a ‘definite improvement’ although the opposition were hard to break down.
“It was a very stop-start first half, but we were finally able to convert our pressure into points in the second half for the win we felt we deserved,” said Parsons.
“Truro are a tough, physical outfit so the result was never certain until final whistle.”
Teignmouth paraded two new faces in their side – Billy Coulthard and Sam Lines – both of whom scored debut-day tries.
Dan Woolnough and Mat Dowrick were the Teigns’ other try scorers. Jack Mayne kicked the goals.
Teignmouth make the short trip to joint early leaders Topsham this Saturday. Parsons reported no new injury problems arising from the Truro game.
The only regular missing will be Jack Bond, who suffered suspected concussion in the defeat by Winscombe.
NEWTON Abbot bounced back from their opening-day whitewashing at Tiverton in the best possible manner with a 51-15 win over visiting Wellington.
Mike Saxton, the director of rugby at Newton Abbot, said he had a pre-match feeling the squad were going to turn it on.
“My instincts proved correct, as our team delivered a remarkable performance and secured a memorable victory,” said Saxton.
The All Whites were 22-0 points up in the first half before Wellington got on the board with a converted try just before the break.
The second half got under way with player-coach Tom Steer starting and finishing a long-range move with a try near the posts that he converted for a 29-7 lead.
Three more tries followed as Newton Abbot racked-up the points at Wellington’s expense.
Newton Abbot’s try scorers were Calum Westaway, Matt Juniper, Luke Richardson, Steer and Jed Griffin (2).
Steer knocked over five conversions and two penalties – the second of them from the halfway line.
The only blot on Newton Abbot’s copybook was a yellow card for Josh Dore.
Four of the try scorers – Westaway, Juniper, Barnes and Griffin – have graduated from Newton Abbot’s Colts team in recent seasons.
Saxton added, “Our shape remained consistent, allowing the backs to execute robust set-pieces, supported by the pack's efficient coverage of the field.
“This match demonstrated our squad's potential and readiness to push further this season. We eagerly anticipate building on this performance in the matches to come.
“I couldn’t be prouder of the team and the path we’re taking in nurturing our own talent and home-grown players.”
Newton Abbot will be able to test these credentials when they potentially face a tougher test this Saturday, making the trip to joint leaders Crediton.