NEWTON Abbot RFC moved on from their derby defeat away to Torquay Athletic with a 38-36 win over St Ives.

The lead changed hands four times before Newton scored twice in quick succession to shoot from 29-24 down to 38-29 ahead.

St Ives made it a two-point game with a minute plus stoppage time to play, but Newton closed out the game.

It was the All Whites’ sixth win in seven home games this season and lifted them above Barnstaple Athletic into seventh place in the Western Counties table.

Newton Abbot’s try scorers were Alex Gale (2), Josh Southworth, Ben Rockey and Jed Griffin. Jay Barnes kicked five conversions and a penalty goal.

The season continues this Saturday with an away game at Barnstaple, who are the only team to win at Rackerhayes this season.

Meanwhile, the Newton Abbot RFC 2nd XV fell to defeat when they made the short trip to face neighbours New Cross, losing 59-10.

Spartans borrowed a handful of players from Teignmouth to make-up their team, which put in respectable performance in difficult circumstances. Ultimately, New Cross had too much across the park for them.

Lock Brian Williamson burrowed over to open the New Cross scoring, quickly followed by prop Cameron Rideout and flanker Josh Davey under the posts after some sharp handling by Rob Pedrick and Chris Huskins.

Jack Warren responded for Newton before Nick Halse broke several tackles to dot down to put New Cross 26-5 up at half time.

Scrums went uncontested early in the second half due to a Newton prop getting injured, which ended New Cross’s domination in that department.

Further tries from Pedrick, Lewis Short, Shawn Bayliss and Luke Williams stretched the home side’s lead.

New Cross saved the best until last. The move that led to try number nine started with a through-the-legs-pass from veteran Ryan Wotton deep in his own half to Davey. He showed a surprising turn of pace to round the winger and go 50 metres before passing inside to the supporting Wotton, who finished off the move he began.

Wotton still had the puff to land his seventh conversion from nine attempts.

Newton had the final word in the last minute with a second try from Warren.

New Cross travel to Sidmouth IIs this coming Saturday whilst the Spartans host Tiverton IIs.