COMMON sense and goodwill all round saved the Devon Two game between New Cross RFC and Cullompton 2nd XV from being called off.

Cullompton were so short of able-bodied players the night before the match they only had six names on the team sheet. By kick-off time on Saturday the list just reached double figures.

After weeks of bad weather disrupting fixtures, the only thing that mattered to both sets of players was getting a game on. And with some temporary loans, juggled team sheets and a play-anywhere attitude that’s exactly what happened.

Thirteen a side was the order of the day with shirt swapping positively encouraged.

Jerry Wotton, the New Cross coach, said: “The game was played in great spirits with some proper rugby thrown in between the chaos.

“It is worth noting that Cullompton had more supporters than players on the day.

“At half-time we mixed the sides up and brought all the subs into play.

“Nothing says grass roots rugby like two flankers and a tight-head prop lining up outside the scrum, especially given there was a perfectly fit and able winger playing in our front row at the time!

The final score was 49-19 to New Cross, not that anyone was too worried about the result.”

“There were plenty of tries, plenty of laughs, and just enough shape to legally call it rugby,” said Wotton. “Both teams left happy.”

Among the match highlights was a try hat-trick for New Cross scrum-half Lewis Short. Ryan Wotton, guesting for Cullompton, scored a try against his own club.

New Cross (5th) can expect a more serious afternoon this Saturday when they pay a visit to third-place Sidmouth Quins.