NEWTON Abbot RFC 1st XV still have some work to do to avoid getting dragged into the Western Counties relegation frame after going down 34-24 away to fellow strugglers Penryn.

As the All Whites last two games are against fellow strugglers Plymstock and Saltash, salvation lies in their own hands.

The latest prediction from the RFU is that just two teams will be automatically relegated from Western Counties West, with no need for a play-off. That could change depending on outcomes higher up the league ladder.

If things stay as they are, it is Saltash (37pts) and Penryn (40) who will go down. However, both can still play their way past Plymstock (42) and Newton Abbot (45). Penryn also have a game in hand.

And if the RFU decide a play-off will be required – it is not an exact science until trickle-downs are factored in – Newton have to stay out of the bottom three.

Newton Abbot’s try scorers at Penryn were Reuben Brinkley, Jacob Forey, Joe Frost and Conor Mackeller. Lawrence White kicked two conversions.

Plymstock are the visitors to Rackerhayes this Saturday afternoon.

NEW Cross RFC 1st XV never recovered from a nightmare start against Tiverton 2nd XV that contributed towards to a 40-19 defeat in Devon Two North & East.

Tiverton went three tries up in the opening exchanges and there was no way back for New Cross, despite a determined effort on their part.

Ryan Wotton, the New Cross captain, said: “We handed Tiverton 21 points on a silver platter in first ten minutes – and after that we dominated the game.

“Their tries all came from kicks that we didn’t field and their quick backs did the rest.”

It did not help the New Cross cause that play-maker Wotton spent 18 minutes in the sin-bin.

Josh Screech, Richard Cane, playing his first game for 16 years, and Nick Halse were the New Cross try scorers. Man of the match Lewis Short kicked two conversions.

New Cross have a Club XV game away to OPM-Jesters this Saturday. The league season ends with a home game against Okehampton on Saturday, April 25.