All Whites breeze past Cherries

PAIGNTON U13s knew what to expect against Newton Abbot in the Devon Cup as the All Whites were festival champions last season.

The Cherries lost 24-5 but were by no means disgraced and were probably worth more than just one try.

Paignton found themselves under pressure straight from the kick off with Newton Abbot's forwards impressive in their close support play and hard running, which soon brought a try with James Stephenson powering over the line.

Paignton settled and kept themselves in the game with some good defensive work by the whole team, typified by winger and man of the match Dean Franke.

Paignton gradually established themselves and worked their way up field before Newton Abbot caught them on the break with an Alex Fogden try.

Paignton heads dropped following this score and Newton Abbot surged up the field for Tom Bottoms to score an unconverted try for 17-0 at half time.

Paignton came out for the second half revitalised. They moved speed merchant Rupert Matthews from full-back to centre and took the game to their opposition up front.

It wasn't long before quick ball was moved wide and Matthews ran from just inside the Newton half to score in the corner

This further lifted Paignton and good forward drives by No.8 Connor Pope and Prop Bryn Porter supported by the rest of the forwards, gained ground. Olly Grayling made a couple of superb try saving tackles to keep the visitors at bay.

The early defensive work, and effort in the second half, finally took its toll and in the last two minutes Fogden scored again for Newton Abbot.