Newton Abbot 'All Whites' – in front of a crowd approaching 400 – concluded their league programme in fantastic fashion. This comprehensive win, over a Torquay side that had only lost once previously, ensured all-important home advantage for Saturday's play-off with Bath-based Walcot, who finished second in Western Counties North Furthermore, victory laid to rest the spectre of the last-kick defeat in the heroic effort at the Recreation Ground back in December. Not for the first time, the Burford boys were both on the score sheet but the real inspiration came from Devon Melville, who played at full back, allowing youngster Lewys Ryan to continue at fly-half. The South African more than justified his place in the line-up, having only arrived back in the country on Thursday after a spell at home. Torquay started ominously well, putting together some good phases through their forwards and making early use of the backs, but up against the meanest defence – only 148 points conceded in 22 games – in the division they could not find an opening. Against the general run of play Melville started to accumulate Newton's points. he picked himself up from a high tackle and attempted an audacious kick from near the halfway line far out on the left. the ball crept over the bar for a 3-nil lead. Melville then failed with a penalty from closer range before handling in a ruck gave him another opportunity from 50 metres, this went over for a 6-nil lead. His opposite number Paul Clark then cut the deficit with a penalty and the visitors enjoyed another strong but fruitless spell. A third Melville penalty – this one for not releasing – from 40 metres put Newton 9-3 ahead without having seriously threatened Tics' line. However, this soon changed. captain Ian Barnes put Torquay's left winger in all sorts of bother with a kick ahead and from the ensuing five-metre scrum the ball was spun left. The speed of the passing created a two-on-one chance which Jack Burford gladly took for a corner try. Melville kept his master-class in kicking going with the touchline conversion for a 16-3 half-time lead. The second half had a more aggressive edge about it but an over-zealous bit of footwork two minutes after the resumption cost Torquay a further Melville penalty, this one 20 metres from their posts. This left Torquay in serious trouble. they had kickable opportunities but either missed the attempts at goal or failed to score from catch and drive efforts. Even when veteran number No 8 Bill Murphy had a spell in the bin midway through the half, Newton's pack still held their own. The home side's second try was an embarrassment for the normally reliable Clark. Newton counter-attacked and kicked the ball long. The Torquay XV let the ball bounce and then slipped over, allowing the eager younger Burford to gather and head for the line. Creditable Tics' defence kept him out- just, but he was able to keep the ball available for older brother Russ, who crossed in the scoreboard corner to put the icing on the celebratory cake. Tomorrow, another large crowd is expected at Rackerhayes for what will be the All Whites' most crucial and highest profile match for many years when they take on Walcot to see who will progress, along with Torquay, into South West Two. Apart from the fact that the Somerset club were beating Bristol Harlequins 81-7 while Newton were disposing of Torquay, little is known of them, apart from their League statistics. These show that they lost one more game than Newton scored 88 points fewer and conceded 157 more in finishing second in their division, but it's what happens on the day that will determine where the sides will be playing their rugby next term. There is more action on Sunday when an invitation Sevens competition is taking place, with the action being wrapped around a 15-a-side match between a club XV and tourists Warrington (2.30pm).
