NEWTON Abbot got the fresh start they wanted in Western Counties West with a 20-15 home win over Saltash … but it was a close-run thing!

The All Whites were never ahead in the match until the last minute when Callum Westaway scored the winning try.

Saltash, last season’s Cornwall One champions, were 12-3 up at half-time and 15-8 ahead as time ticked down.

Saltash took the lead eight minutes in when prop Liall Honey forced himself over the home line.

Newton Abbot, who arrived in Western Counties West from the opposite direction, pulled three points back with a successful penalty from fullback Jay Barnes.

Saltash increased their lead through Fin Jones who touched down three minutes before the break. Jack Pritchard added the extras.

The Ashes went further ahead from a Pritchard penalty on 52 minutes.

Newton narrowed Saltash’s advantage to seven points with a Luke Moore try.

Pressure resulted in Newton drawing level after being awarded a penalty try.

A missed kick close to the posts could have won Saltash the game before Westaway claimed Newton Abbot’s last-gasp win.

Four points is the reward for the All Whites’ opening day win and they will be back at Rackerhayes again this weekend.

A long-awaited rivalry match awaits them with Torquay Athletic as their guests for the second outing of the campaign.

The Tics got 2025/26 up and running with a high-scoring affair, losing 51-44 on their travels against Plymstock Oaks. That try bonus point has them on the board though and so they’ll be keen to get a win under their belts against the All Whites.

Other clashes in the division saw Kingsbridge beat Truro 29-19, Wiveliscombe edge out Redruth II 30-26 and St Ives narrowly win 20-14 over Penryn. Paignton are the early leaders thanks to a convincing 50-19 home victory against Barnstaple II.