All Whites looking to snap an eight-game losing run

SOUTH WEST PREMIER

NEWTON Abbot return to South West Premier action on Saturday when Weston-super-Mare are the visitors to Rackerhayes (2.30pm).

Second-from-bottom Newton will be more than keen to arrest a lengthening run of defeats that extended to eight with the 26-10 home set back to Maidenhead a fortnight ago.

Newton have only won once this term – the opening day 42-36 win over visiting Bracknell - which means only a single victory in their last 16 outings.

The next two are going to be vital if the All Whites are going to extend their tenure at level five into a tenth season.

Weston have only recently moved out of the relegation zone thanks to consecutive wins over Camborne (34-20) and Maidenhead (24-10). Sat- urday’s game is followed by a visit to the winless, basement club Old Patesians, who are finding the going tough since gaining promotion at the end of last season.

After those two, Newton face third-placed Barnstaple – who were in National Two South last season – before facing an unenviable journey to unbeaten leaders Bournemouth.

The Spartans make their shortest journey of the season in the Devon Merit Table at Teignmouth.

On Sunday, Newton Abbot Ladies will be looking to get back to winning ways when they entertain Hucclecote Ladies (2.30pm). Newton suffered a rare defeat last time out when losing at home to St Mary’s Old Boys who are unbeaten at the top of the NC South West One division.

Newton Abbot player-coach Matt Jess in full flight

Andy Styles