TEIGNMOUTH 40 NEWQUAY HORNETS 0

It may seem a strange thing to say given the size of this victory, but skipper Colin Aldworth got it right when he commented that the result was built on a solid defence.
Indeed, with only two minutes of the first half remaining, Teignmouth were clinging to a six point lead courtesy of two Dan Force penalties. Newquay had spent long periods camped on the home side’s line, but were up against an iron curtain of defence with the Teigns putting their bodies on the line to protect their position at the top of the league.
Once again, Teignmouth’s superior fitness came to the fore as the Cornishmen began to tire, and when there are weaknesses shown by opponents, they have the man to take advantage.
In the previous match at Hayle, centre Will Sowden had notched up seven tries; this week, he had to content himself with a hat-trick, but given the nature of this match those three tries were every bit as valuable as last week’s haul.
The first came in the dying minutes of the first half, and as so often with Sowden it was the result of him spotting a tiny gap in the defence and punching a huge hole through it. With Force continuing his hot run with the boot by making the conversion, Teignmouth turned round with a 13-0 lead.
Failing to take advantage of their possession and territorial superiority and then conceding so close to half time had a demoralising effect on Newquay, and in the second half they were unable to prevent the match becoming a very one-sided affair.
Sowden completed his trio of tries, prop George Mowson flopped over and Force scored the try of the match returning an aimless kick downfield with a run from his own half. He also added two conversions.
Although Teignmouth have a Cup match this Saturday at home to Saltash (KO 2.30pm), they now have a break of three weeks from league action. Not only do they remain on top of the league, but more importantly there is now a considerable cushion between them and third placed Tiverton. With the top two earning promotion that gap needs to be maintained in the second part of the season.
As a curtain raiser to the First XV’s Cup match, the Seconds also have a home game kicking off at 12.30pm. A feast of Rugby should provide the perfect antidote for those who have completed their Christmas shopping – for those who haven’t, leave it till Sunday and come and enjoy an afternoon sport, not to mention a big welcome in the clubhouse.
Merry Christmas from all at Teignmouth RFC!