NEWTON Abbot nudged themselves nearer the play-offs place with this well executed win over fellow play-off rivals St Ives.

The result was never really in doubt, with the All Whites coming out of the traps from the first whistle and stifling any thoughts the Cornwall side may have had of turning them over on their own patch.

The visitors enjoyed superiority in the set-piece from the start, especially the scrummage, with the home side destroying the visitors time and time again.

The referee, from Manchester, who in general had a fine game, did struggle at times to control this area. However, it was plain for all to see that the St Ives' pack were under severe pressure.

In the backs, the experienced Cane and Birkett ran the show, while at inside centre Nick Holt enjoyed a huge game, especially in defence where he tackled his heart out to deny the visitors.

Mike Saxton landed two penalties in the first quarter, which was followed by a splendid drop goal by Birkett to take the score to 9-0.

Then up popped centre Alex Lloyd who finished off a cracking 70-metre move in the corner, a try which Saxton converted from a difficult angle to make the score 16-0 at the break.

Newton coach Phil Burford asked his team to keep their foot on the gas and kill off the Cornish threat early in the second half, and just after the break Birkett put Nick Holt clear to score.

Then, within ten minutes, the ever-improving James Head showed what a find he has been this year with a third try, converted fittingly by Saxton, who has plugged the kicking gap at Rackerhayes since emerging this season.

This was a solid performance by the team, putting aside the disappointment of the previous weekend's Devon Cup semi-final defeat to Barnstaple.

It was in the front row that the real damage was done, with the trio of Mason, Mabin and Roberts working tirelessly to dominate their opposite numbers and thus deliver a platform from which the All Whites could launch the threequarters.

Tactically, it was an astute performance and showed the steely mentality this All Whites side have developed during the past two years.

Burford was delighted to have overcome what he saw as potentially a dodgy game.

Games between these two sides have never been boring and honours are pretty even.

A win tomorrow over Walcot Old Boys would mean the All Whites will make the play-offs with a game to spare,

Burford will be ensuring his players stay focused, although the attitude this term has been exemplary.

Tomorrow's game away at Walcot Old Boys (Bath) kicks-off at 2.30pm, and supporters are urged to travel for what could be a big celebration.

Home action at Rackerhayes sees the 2nd XV take on Torbay Sharks in what should be an entertaining match.