WITH the sun shining bright on Saturday, November 29, Teignmouth RFC went toe-to-toe against Winscombe on home soil, reports Judi Hellier.

Winscombe drew first blood but Teignmouth, playing into home corner, roared back with a converted try courtesy of fullback Jordan Hellier.

Another lineout and another Teigns try, second-row Jack Bowen making the decisive break to put the hosts ahead at 12-7.

The scoring continued when centre Jack Mayne went for the posts at a penalty, 15-7. Yellow cards followed for both teams but this didn’t hold back Teignmouth, who scored through Alex Ford.

Winscombe had some making up to do and they started in the right vein after the break, crossing for a second converted try, 20-14.

They then regained the lead by a single point thanks to a third score, only for Mayne to edge Teignmouth in front once more with the boot.

This really was a back-and-forth affair with the away side striking next, moving the score to 23-28 in their favour.

It was a very tense game for spectators and players alike but Teigns just had enough time to have the last laugh. Winger Harvey Ridgeway scored the leveller and Mayne remained composed to kick the conversion.

Winscombe had an even later opportunity to win it but, to the delight of the home crowd, their penalty attempt was squandered, securing the victory for Teignmouth.

George Franklin, the Teignmouth skipper, said the manner of the win was more important than the performance

.“It was a pleasing performance – we played good rugby at times – but, more importantly, we showed loads of grit and determination to grind out the win.

“It was a massive result for us, especially as it was so close at the end.

“Historically, games like this have gone against us. It felt really big to be on the right end of this one.”

Teignmouth make the long trip to Penzance this Saturday.