Disappointment again in the Devon Cup for the All Whites, but it could have been a very different outcome – and whatever Barum say, there is no doubt that the gap between the sides is closing.
Newton coach Phil Burford tried to look at the positives, but for him this was always going to be an emotive game.
The All Whites came out of the traps like the true contenders they are.
They went behind early on to a Barnstaple penalty, but before the end of the first half the All Whites had scored two tries courtesy of Jan Viskoper and Neil Johns as their midfield ran riot. Neither try was converted.
Andy Birkett enjoyed a commanding game at fly half and outplayed his opposite number Giddy, constantly asking questions of the Barnstaple defence.
Barum, however, turned it around in the second half, scoring two tries of their own and, more crucially, knocking over three penalties and converting one of their tries, and this, at the end of the day, was the difference.
There were plenty of positives for the All Whites, including numerous turnovers extracted at Barnstaple's expense, and this Newton Abbot side are not far away from getting it right against sides in the division above.
If things go their way in the remaining three league matches they may well get to a play-off and subsequently a place in the upper echelons alongside the likes of Barum and Exmouth.
With Torquay going down at home to Cullompton in the other semi-final, it means no south Devon side will contest the final this year.
Burford said there were no excuses, just a willingness to take the defeat on the chin and move on to the next game.
Tomorrow sees Newton Abbot back in league action, taking on St Ives, who travel to Rackerhayes with a mathematical chance of making the play-offs. However, they are four points behind the All Whites with only three matches left. Kick-off 2.30pm.