Newton Abbot produced a defensive display to be proud of and took their limited chances when they came along to record a superb opening day victory.

Old Patesians – who finished third last season, three places above their hosts who they beat twice – dominated the opening half hour, but only had an 18th minute try to show for their efforts.

A rare lapse in Newton's otherwise high quality defence allowed visiting flanker Marcus Brown to make good yardage off the back of a line-out.

From the ensuing scrum, Brown's back row colleague, number 8 James Pettifer, broke and attracted several defenders before the ball was released for full back Matthew Dean to score an unconverted try.

The All Whites looked to have hit back on the half-hour mark, but while Jan Viskoper was crossing in clubhouse corner the referee was calling play back for a penalty infringement at a scrum.

However, this near miss showed the home side what was possible and they went on to lead at the break.

Young full back Josh Smith, on his debut, attempted a 45-metre penalty which drifted just wide, but he was soon back in more productive action when converting Newton's first try, the score coming immediately from the drop out restart from Smith's initial miss.

Newton returned the long drop kick with a well judged up-and-under that landed on Old Pats' 22. The visiting defence failed to deal with the high bounce and home captain Ben Cole latched on to the loose ball and ran in unopposed to score under the bar.

Smith's conversion put Newton ahead, and with the last kick of the half he slotted a penalty which was just reward for a sustained spell of pressure by the hosts.

This onslaught resulted in Old Pats losing second rower Heath Gunther to the bin – he didn't return until eight minutes into the second half.

After the break, Newton continued to take the game to the Cheltenham-based side and increased their lead with a second try.

The forwards played patiently to open up an inviting blindside. Smith saw the opportunity, coming in as first receiver, before sending young winger Matt Dayment in for a well-taken corner try on his debut.

Old Pats went on to dominate the remaining quarter, but up against a relentless defence they ran out of both ideas and fitness.

Poor option taking and indifferent finishing also didn't help their cause, though nothing should be taken away from the All Whites' committed defence in which the whole team played their part.

The most pleasing aspect of the victory was the manner in which the close season recruits gelled into a match-winning unit.

Apart from Smith, who was later named man of the match, and Dayment, there were fine first appearances by flanker Pete Mortimore, who was strong in the tackle and when carrying the ball, and lock Colin Stewart, who took some excellent lineout ball.

Elsewhere, the new half-back pairing of scrum half Matt Newman and fly half Scott Meakin appears to be a useful partnership.

New centre Steve Ward showed great defensive qualities and pace with ball in hand and hooker Dean Avery, making a return after a stint at Brixham, put in a more than solid performance.

Tomorrow Newton Abbot travel up the M5 to take on Weston-super-Mare, while the home action is provided by the 2nd XV, who play Cullompton, kick-off 2.30pm.