WITH Newton Abbot's Intermediate Cup game at Clifton falling victim to the weather on Saturday, now seems a good time, with the festive season upon us, to look back over the first half of the season.
With the All Whites lying third in the table, hot on the heels of Avonmouth Old Boys, there is an optimism in the camp that, given all the top six teams now have to visit Rackerhayes.
Coach Phil Burford described it as 'an encouraging start', while resisting the temptation to make sweeping predictions.
The prospect of making the play-off position is a real one, but only if the All Whites continue their run of good form.
The start of the season did not go quite to plan with the boys losing at St Ives 19-17. However, it did show that the addition of certain influential players together with blooding a number of youngsters who have come through the ranks at Rackerhayes would reap dividends.
Burford pointed to the two losses against St Ives and Sidmouth as frustrating, especially as the All Whites had enjoyed the Lion's share of possession in both games – four points dropped which would have effectively had the Newton side snapping at the heels of leaders Taunton.
There is no doubt that Nigel Cane, joining from Plymouth Albion as player/coach, has added a different level to the threequarter play this term.
Cane, a relaxed character on and off the field, exudes confidence and experience. He has raised his game at critical points during the season, especially in the nailbiter at Avonmouth Old Boys, scoring the crucial try to win the game for the All Whites.
Ben Rowntree – another signing from Albion – has come into the side in the back row, giving more balance and complementing the skill sets already in place, while Andy Birkett, the much vaunted former Launceston fly-half/centre has brought a commanding presence at standoff as well as a mighty boot.
The club have also worked hard to bring through youngsters deemed to be ready for first team rugby. Notably Ian Milton, who while still learning his craft at number eight has shown great promise with several superb displays. Another is James Head, an exciting prospect whom eventually will settle down as a blindside flanker but whose all round game can be breathtaking.
Add to these two Mike Saxton who, having played a few pre-season games with the first team, dropped back to the seconds, but who continued to train hard and put in solid performances.
Saxton's chance came against Torquay a few weeks ago and he took it well.
Of the old guard, it is hard not to mention the front row, who rotate weekly – Hammond, Beere and Dowrick. These three have been turning in great performances, learning new tricks under the stewardship of Trevor Harris, who has settled into his role as forwards coach extremely well, adding an edge to the way the All Whites' forwards go about their business.
Captain Simon Mabin, despite his tender years, has matured greatly this season, combining the challenging role of skippering the side with some superb performances.
The ever-present Paul Warren continues to do what he does best, his play year on year just gets better. A superbly fit individual, he has added a much harder edge to his game.
Newcomer Matt Templeman is enjoying a second season with the All Whites, having moved with his employ from East Grinstead in Sussex. Possibly the tallest man in the league, Templeman has settled in admirably.
Alex Huntley and Jason Keenan continue to terrorise backrow forwards and standoffs alike, while Joe Burford deserves a mention.
A superb scrum half, Burford has selflessly played at standoff and, in turn, centre. He brings a physical edge to the midfield and together with Nick Holt has provided a formidable partnership.
This pair, in turn, have brought more out of the back three of Neil Johns, Alex Moore and the newly returned Jan Viskoper.
Another stunning statistic when looking back at the first half of the season is that the All Whites have played five local derbies against Brixham, Paignton and Torquay, winning them them all.
With the promise of at least three more derby games to come, it really is quite incredible that the All Whites will have played their neighbours a stunning eight times.
Burford is also mindful of injuries sustained. Lock/number eight Damian Chambers and Jon Bourne are either back or imminently due back, and they will add more options to an already talented set of forwards.
The coach said that if the squad can remain relatively injury free then this increases the chances of pushing for a play off spot.
The All Whites have to venture out of the bay four times during the rest of the season – to Yatton, Clevedon, St Mary's Old Boys and Walcott Old Boys, all of whom they have beaten at home.
Then there is the Devon Cup, where the All Whites face league above Exmouth away in the quarter final.
Always a difficult place to get a result, but the reward to the winner looks like a mouthwatering semi-final against Barnstaple.
Tomorrow sees the All Whites head back up the M5 to Clifton to play the rescheduled Intermediate Cup, kick-off is 2.30pm, before returning to the club for the Christmas party.