FOUR yellow cards – three of them in the second half – did Newton Abbot no favours in a 40-38 defeat away to Redruth 2nd XV.

When the two sides met at Rackerhayes earlier in the season, the All Whites ran out 62-26 winners. Hopes of a first Western Counties double of the season were high on the way down to Hellfire Corner.

Newton briefly led 12-5 after 13 minutes. By half time they had lost Will Rideout to the sin bin and were 26-12 down.

Two tries and a conversion got Newton back in the game at 26-24 – and 10 minutes into the second half a fifth try put them 31-26 in front.

Losing Lloyd Radford and Jon Lacey to yellow cards three minutes apart, followed before they returned by Charlie Dore, sent Newton down to 12 men for a couple of minutes.

Two tries, both converted, shunted Redruth into a 40-31 lead with 10 minutes left on the watch.

The All Whites had one more try and conversion in the locker, which was sufficient for a losing bonus point but not enough to steal the game.

Newton Abbot’s try scorers were Jed Griffin (2), Dore (2), Jacob Forey and Lacey. Jay Barnes landed four conversions.

Western Counties leaders Wiveliscombe are Newton Abbot’s visitors this Saturday afternoon on what promises to be a tough afternoon.

Meanwhile, in Counties Three North and East, Newton Abbot Spartans were unable to raise a side for their trip to Exmouth Quins and New Cross bounced back to beat Exeter Athletic 40-15 on their travels.

Nick Halse, Cam Rideout (2), Rob Pedrick, Alex Doyle and Luke Williams scored the New Cross tries.

Victory keeps New Cross fifth in the table of ten going into this Saturday’s meeting with Exeter Athletic, who ground share with the Engineers in Clyst St Mary.