Teignmouth confidence back after Cully win

TRIBUTE WESTERN COUNTIES WEST

TEIGNMOUTH head for Devonport Services on Saturday with confidence high after a 26-22 win at Cullompton.

Coach Colin Aldworth admitted the side was feeling sore after losing 24-19 to Hornets seven days earlier in a game they dominated.

The Teigns developed an unhappy habit of losing close games in the final 10 minutes last season, something Ald- worth wanted to cut down this term.

So the manner of the win at Cullompton, achieved with a try seven minutes into time added on, delighted to Aldworth.

“We worked hard on our fitness during the summer as it was noticeable it was falling away last season later on in games,” said Aldworth.

“It almost certainly cost us games so it was great to see us win one in injury time, when our fitness must have helped.”

Victory came at a price for Teignmouth, who lost lock John Hiscox after a poke in the eye and hooker Pete Parsons to an ankle injury. Both are doubtful this Saturday.

“John did not get his tackle in quite right and got a hand-off or something and came off largely as a precaution,” said Aldworth.

“Pete’s injury could be a bit more serious. He has done something to his ankle. Pete is a physiotherapist and he has no idea what it is, which is a bit worrying.”

Jack Trout, formerly with Newton Abbot, is the likely front-row replacement if Parsons does not make it on the bus to Devonport.

Pete Brogden will continue in the centre for at least one more game having made the step up from colts’ rugby.

“He looks totally at home alongside Will Sowden and we are going to make the best of him while we can before he goes off to university,” said Aldworth.

The Teigns had a narrow 14-13 lead at the break thanks to tries on 34 and 40 minutes from Alex Ford and Luke Patison, Faolan Lidstone converted both.

Adam Pearce had kicked two penalties and converted a Josh Luxon try for Cully.

Two Peace penalties put Cully 19-14 up, only for Teignmouth to draw level on 66 minutes when prop Dane Layton bustled over.

Pearce landed a 30-metre effort on 70 minutes for a Cully lead and that’s how it stayed until stoppage time when Teignmouth’s Matt Laventure went in and Lidstone kicked the goal.