UNBEATEN New Cross made it six of the best at the top of Devon Two North East by beating Exeter Athletic 29-18.

The Cross have a one-point lead over second-placed Okehampton 2nd XV with Sidmouth 2nd XV four points further behind in third.

Jerry Wotton, the New Cross coach, said this Saturday’s home game against Sidmouth will be the team’s toughest challenge yet.

“It is going to be a big game as, with all due respect, we haven't played the other top sides yet,” said Wotton.

Wotton said midweek preparation under player-coach Lewie Griffiths has helped New Cross get off to a flying start.

“I think we're on a roll because we're getting great numbers to training and the sessions have been excellent,” said Wotton.

“Lewie Griffiths is doing a really top job with the coaching.”

Shaun Bayliss opened the scoring for New Cross against the Athletic. Alex Doyle (2), Harry Symes and Oli Robinson also went over.

NEWTON ABBOT

Meanwhile, Newton Abbot 1st XI’s long wait for a win on the road was extended by a 33-14 defeat away to Western Counties leaders Cullompton.

Cullompton’s 19-7 interval lead was trimmed by a Newton Abbot try and conversion early in the second half, which left just four points in it. That was as close as Newton Abbot got before Cully pulled away.

The All Whites have not won away from Rackerhayes since the tail-end of the 2024-25 season when they triumphed at Teignmouth.

Rory Blackmore, the director of rugby at Newton Abbot, some of the strengths that have taken Cully to the top of the table were evident.

“Cullompton were very physical up front and clinical out in the wide channels,” said Blackmore.

“Our endeavour was good and there were some strong individual performances. Ultimately, we didn’t manage to play the game in the way that suits us best.”

Sean Mardell, the director of rugby at Cullompton, said his side found a way to win despite not playing at their best.

And he had a word of praise for the Newton Abbot pack, who bossed scrum after scrum.

“Newton Abbot fronted up well and dominated at scrum time,” said Mardell. “We did well to get the ball away going backwards!”

Newton Abbot’s try scorers were Dan Beer and Paul Griffin. Laurence White added two conversions.

Kingsbridge are the guests at Rackerhayes this Saturday in what is always an eagerly awaited match-up. Blackmore hopes the big-match atmosphere will give Newton Abbot an extra lift.

“Hopefully, we can put a few things right and get back to winning ways,” said Blackmore.

In the same division as New Cross, Newton’s 2nd XV were given as a home walkover with Bideford IIs unable to raise a side.

TEIGNMOUTH

Elsewhere, Teignmouth’s wait for a win goes on as, at the fifth time of asking, they were defeated, this time losing 41-24 to Wiveliscombe.

On a more positive note, they’ve appointed Harrison Marshall as their new coach with a brief to hoist them away from the relegation zone before it is too late.

Colin Stewart’s seven-year stint coaching at Bitton Park ended last month after the club management decided it was time for a change.

Marshall recently moved to Devon to take-up a post as part of the academy team with Exeter Chiefs. His coaching CV includes taking Old Otliensians to Twickhenham in 2018, where they defeated South Molton in the final of the RFU Junior Vase.

Other entries on Marshall’s coaching resumé include spells with Buckingham and Oxford Harlequins as well as City of Oxford College.

Marshall’s first game in charge will be the November 14 trip to Crediton. First though, they visit Wadebridge Camels.