NEWTON Abbot RFC 1st XV continue to live dangerously in Western Counties West as a 29-17 defeat at home to leaders Wiveliscombe left them only five points clear of bottom three.

A run-in that includes three of the four teams below them in the table – Penryn, Plymstock and finally Saltash – could decide Newton’s fate.

The All Whites had a woeful first half – they trailed 21-5 at the turn – but bucked-up their ideas in the second spell and overall, put in a commendable shift against a high-flying Wiveliscombe outfit.

Charlie Dore, Luke Moore and Jake Monnington scored Newton Abbot’s tries. Jay Barnes kicked one of the conversions.

The All Whites turn their attention to the Devon Intermediate Shield this Saturday afternoon when visiting Cullompton are the opposition in the final.