This was a big test for the All Whites, taking on the team sitting in second place who have not lost a game in the league this season.
They rose to the challenge and recorded a deserved win, stifling the Bristolians throughout.
The Devonians went about their task with a steely determination, proving too strong in the final analysis for the Old Boys.
On a heavily sloping pitch, the Old Boys elected to play with the wind, downhill. By half-time they were only 3-0 up, and as the skies grew blacker so did the mood of the home crowd, obviously not used to seeing their side increasingly on the back foot.
They are a quality well drilled side, however the All Whites soaked up wave after wave of attacks, often turning over ball and counter-attacking through the excellent back row and three quarter division.
As the first half wore on, the All Whites began to dominate both the scrum and lineout. This caused a fracas after 20 minutes with Paul Dowrick sent to the bin for exacting revenge after an earlier incident on the floor.
Minutes later the Old Boys were awarded a penalty but having banged away at the All Whites' defence for 25 minutes they elected to get something for their efforts in the first half. They took a pot at goal, and winger Carl Reynolds kicked the points.
The All Whites had a few chances to take the lead. Openside flanker Alex Huntley in the thick of things, twice went close and, as half-time drew near, scrum half Cane started to crank up the pressure, orchestrating several back moves.
Newton's coaches Burford and Harris delivered the half-time pep talk and it was game on with the All Whites playing with the wind and downhill.
With Birkett's boot ensuring the play was almost exclusively played out in the Avonmouth half it is testament to the Old Boys' tackling that they managed to hold the All Whites' tide at bay.
With 20 minutes of the second half played, Birkett spiralled a beauty down to the five-metre line, winger Collier was bundled into touch by Mabin and Boles.
An all White line-out executed a catch and drive set up by Warren, which saw Rowntree held up inches from the line. The ball, reworked to Dowrick who himself was dragged down short, was picked up by Huntley who again was held up. This time the referee inexplicably gave a scrum to the Old Boys, but this worked in the All Whites favour.
As the pack pushed Avonmouth off the ball, Cane reacted first by darting over for a try which was no more than they deserved for their endeavours.
Joe Burford missed the conversion, but he was to make amends five minutes from time.
Avonmouth pressed forward in the remaining minutes but the All Whites held firm for a memorable victory.
The All Whites need to do it all again tomorrow at league leaders Taunton, supporters are encouraged to travel. Kickoff is 2.30pm.
Club Curry Night
After last season's successful inaugural night with Robert Jones, Newton RFC hosts its second Club Curry Night, this year in the company of Graham Dawe (former England, Bath, Sale and currently Plymouth Albion), on Monday at 7.30pm.
'It is an ideal opportunity for players, members and sponsors to mix and have good social evening in Newton Abbot's Eastern Eye, Indian restaurant,' said a spokesman for the club.
Tickets are available from the the bar or calling the club on 01626 354150, or Phil Burford on 07836517816.