NEWTON Abbot RFC are on course for a tilt at some silverware after defeating old adversaries Teignmouth 22-19 in the semi-finals of the Devon Intermediate Shield.

The last time the All White reached a final was back in 2022 when they defeated Kingsbridge 31-22 in the Intermediate Cup – and they won promotion that season too!

So a Shield final appointment against Cullompton, on a date to be confirmed in early February, will be a red-letter day for the All Whites and their followers.

High winds and squally showers made open rugby a challenging affair under the Bitton Park floodlights. Kicks aimed for touch on the railway line side of the ground often curled back into play.

The lead changed hands numerous times before Newton Abbot clinched victory with a Henry Bunclark try five minutes from time. Reuben Brinkley (2) and Jack Sealy were the other try scorers. Jacob Forey managed one conversion in difficult conditions.

Teignmouth had a last-ditch opportunity to snatch the game, but a line-out maul went down shy of the goal-line.

Newton Abbot successfully defended the subsequent play to hold on to their hard-earned lead.

Jordan Hellier, Jake Wright and Andy Webber crossed the line for Teignmouth. Rio Cooper kicked two conversions. Alex Ford was Teignmouth’s player of the match.

Steve Perry, the Newton Abbot coach, told the club’s Facebook page: “An exciting local derby, which was a nail-biter to the end with our defence standing up to a barrage of phases on the try-line.

“Our scrum was impressive and our line-out went well in blustery conditions.

“Reuben Brinkley scored two good tries to make the difference. Henry finished off well to win the game. The boys were happy in the huddle.”

Teignmouth are at home to winless Wellington this Saturday in a South West Two basement battle.

Newton Abbot are at home to Redruth 2nd XV in Western Counties West.