NEWTON Abbot U14s dipped out of the Devon Cup at the quarter-final stage when they travelled to Barnstaple and lost 12-0.

Newton U13 – county champions last season – always knew it would be tough against this year's favourites.

From the first kick the home team were piling into every challenge with far more aggression and resolve than Newton Abbot.

Newton's ball handling was poor and their centres and wingers were left isolated with no chance to turn the tide.

Barnstaple didn't find it easy though with only one try in each half as Newton's impressive defence thwarted some well-worked moves.

Newton were left bemused by some decisions and with two minutes to go had a clean try by Tom Schafer refused which put a seal on the match.

Barnstaple were the better team on the day and Newton would benefit from this quality of opponent, but need to learn to vary their moves and play to their strengths in the future.