PATCHED-up New Cross RFC gave Sidmouth Quins a run for their money before going down to a 22-17 defeat in Devon Two.

New Cross were short-handed behind the scrum, so much so that flanker Josh Davey was pressed into service in the centre. Populating the bench proved a challenge.

Veteran back-rower Tom Havill made an appearance in the pack and rolled back the years with a man-of-the-match performance. He edged the award ahead of stand-out displays from Rob Pedrick, Jimmy Unwin and Josh Screech.

Pre-match rain turned the playing surface at Sidford into a mud bath, just as kick-off time approached.

Sidmouth scored first to go 5-0 up. New Cross had chances – three of them gold plated – but could not get over until flanker Shaun Bayliss scooped up a loose ball and raced in unopposed. Ryan Wotton converted.

Sidmouth scored in the corner after impressive handling in the conditions to take a 10-7 lead.

Although the home side’s penalty count lengthened in the second-half, they escaped the sanction of a yellow card. Wotton landed one of the penalties to level it.

A breakaway try put Sidmouth back in front, only for New Cross second-rower Dam Marsh to bosh his way over from 20 metres out. Wotton again converted for 17-all.

With time ticking down Sidmouth scored an opportunist try on the end of a hack ahead to retake the lead.

Jerry Wotton, the New Cross coach, said: “It was a frustrating loss but big credit to Sidmouth, who defended very well and took their chances when on offer.”

New Cross travel to Exeter Athletic this Saturday.

Elsewhere, Teignmouth are under pressure to earn a win at Wellington before they slip further into South West Two relegation danger and Newton Abbot will be looking to avoid a third straight defeat in Western Counties West when they travel to Redruth 2nd XV.