Sat 27 Oct 2018
Newton Abbot’s search for a second win of the season was unsuccessful at Ivybridge on their new 4G pitch.
The home side have had a very solid start to their season having only lost one from seven, the “All Whites”, in stark contrast, have only one win from seven, but in this Devon derby match there was little to choose between the two sides.
The differences were marginal, in a game of few chances where Ivybridge made the most of theirs. In a match where defences were tested to the limit, Ivybridge were just that little better and in the possession stakes Ivybridge looked after the ball more consistently.
Newton were not far behind Exmouth the previous week and this time round Ivybridge were made to work hard to protect their 19-3 lead which they built up after Tom Putt had put the visitors ahead with a sixth minute penalty.
This lead didn’t last long as Ivybridge went through the phases before sending left-winger Damon Ackerman in for a corner try on the end of an overlap.
Midway through the first half Ivybridge broke through Newton’s midfield defence to set up a ruck close to the try line allowing captain and full back Charlie Briant to go over from short range. Winger Billy Pinkus added the extras.
Ackerman then went close to a second, he was stopped just short, but scrum half Ben Watts was soon on the scene for the simplest of dot downs. Pinkus was again on target.
Pressure at the other end led to a succession of penalties which ended with home lock George Wilson in the bin, his absence was wrapped around the half time break.
Newton took advantage of the extra man to drive a lineout before a couple of pick and goes led to a try for lock Ian Milton. Fly half Putt’s conversion left Newton 19-10 down at the break.
If Newton were to win from this position they needed to be the first on the scoreboard in the second half. However, in spite of enough possession and plenty of pressure on the Ivybridge line, the home defence did their job.
On the hour mark the home side grabbed the try that more or less decided the victory. A stray Newton kick cost them an unnecessary lineout on halfway, the home side won the ball, moved it quickly through the threes to send Pinkus in for a corner try, a rare chance, but taken.
Making a comeback – though mainly futile except for losing bonus points – has been the hallmark of the “All Whites” season. Once again, Newton attacked over and over, Matt Jess was through with only one to beat, but the last man made the tackle. The forwards got their driving game going, but weren’t quite patient enough when it mattered.
A try eventually came – centre Kevin Dennis weaved his way over from short range and in spite of doubts about the grounding was awarded the score. Putt’s conversion meant a losing point, Newton’s fifth of the season.
As a consequence of their seventh win, Ivybridge remain in second tucked in behind unbeaten Bournemouth who had to work hard before winning 27-14 at Drybrook.
Weston-super-Mare’s 24-14 win at Maidenhead saw the Somerset side move out of the relegation zone for the first time this season at the expense of Newton who are now only ahead of winless Old Patesians.
Saturday, Newton will be hoping to send visiting Maidenhead to their second successive defeat in a match that gets underway at 2.30pm.
The Spartans were left without a game last Saturday after Ivybridge were unable to raise a side. Spartans who are in second place in Devon Merit One are at Paignton.
