TEIGNMOUTH RFC 1st XV have now lost thrice on the spin, the latest defeat coming at the hands of Ivybridge.

Although Ivybridge were comfortable winners (51-21), the performance was a step-up from previous defeats by Penzance (62-7) and Nailsea (57-7).

George Franklin, the Teignmouth captain, is currently a frustrated spectator due to a back injury. What he saw from the side lines at Ivybridge was encouraging.

“The boys went into the game with plenty of motivation and togetherness, which showed in the level of performance,” said Franklin.

“For the first time this season we actually executed some of our shape that we've been drilling on the training ground and our set-piece was outstanding.

“Unfortunately, our penalty count was too high and we coughed up possession too often.

“Ivybridge kicked themselves out of trouble and were a menace around the breakdown. Credit to them, but I think the game was a lot more competitive than the scoreline suggests.”

Meanwhile, Newton Abbot take on Barnstaple Athletic this Saturday looking to build on the positives coming out of their 64-24 defeat away to Camborne 2nd XV.

The scoreline hints at a real drubbing, but behind the basic facts and figures are some encouraging factors.

Camborne’s side was sprinkled with promotion-winners from the side that claimed the National Two West title last season, such as Chris Fuca, Harry Larkins, Lewis Vinnicombe, Shaun Buzza, Jay Toogood and Cameron Bone. Toogood and Buzza both featured for the Cherry & Whites' 1st XV against London Scottish in National One the previous Saturday.

Wing Larkins bagged a first half hat trick as the hosts turned around 40-7 up with Toogood, Vinnincombe and Buzza also crossing.

The All Whites won’t face that sort of firepower too often again this season.

Newton were only outscored 4-3 on tries in the second half, a statistic that brought them a bonus point.

The try scorers were Tom Arnold, Rhys Vaas, Dan Beer and Jack Leech. Jay Barnes kicked the goals.

Rory Blackmore, the director of rugby at Newton Abbot, said the second half showed what the All Whites are capable of.

“The effort was definitely there against a larger and far more experienced side,” said Blackmore.

“I am optimistic there is an opportunity to pick-up a win at Barnstaple.”

Back at Rackerhayes, Newton’s Spartans were beaten 43-17 by Sidmouth IIs and in that same league, New Cross defeated Ilfracombe 27-15 to make it three out of three at the top of the Devon Two NE table.

Ilfracombe, newly returned to league rugby this season after a five-year hiatus, were big, bulky and a proper test for the Cross.

Jerry Wotton, the New Cross coach, said it was a game that required grit and graft to win.

“Ilfracombe were physical and tough and showed a lot of resilience to get the bonus point win, despite a massive count of unforced errors,” said Wotton.

“Physically, Ilfracombe were dominant – they deserve a lot of credit for that – but didn’t quite have enough guile to break us down.”

Nick Halse returned for his first game this season with New Cross and formed a strong centre pairing with Louie Griffiths.

Halse was among the try scorers, along with Cam Rideout, Ryan Wotton and Rob Pedrick. Wotton kicked two conversions and a penalty.

New Cross are away to Tiverton 2nd XV this Saturday, where coach Wotton has a shrewd idea what to expect.

“This will be our toughest game so far against a side who have got the better of us for the last couple of seasons,” said Wotton.