Teignmouth completed one of the most historic years in their long history with a six-try

Despite the final score, the home side did much in the first half to suggest that they are not far from turning the corner, but they were unable to withstand constant second half pressure from the Teigns.

The visitors laid down the gauntlet as early as the second minute when fly-half Mike Saxton powered over the line with the help of his pack, and then followed up with the conversion.

Nevertheless, much of what followed up to half-time would have had neutrals scratching their heads and wondering which team was challenging for promotion, and which one was threatened with relegation, as the Saxons began to dominate possession and territory.

They got back into the game In the 16th minute when skipper John Clare kicked a penalty in difficult conditions, but Teignmouth’s defence was resolute and it never looked likely that they would concede a try. Unfortunately, whenever they got their hands on the ball, they tended to kick away possession.

Teigns’ skipper Colin Aldworth has been struggling with injury for a few weeks now, and unfortunately had to leave the field again halfway through the first period, but his replacement Jamie Gray was not overawed and within five minutes had scored the first of his two tries crashing through the Saxons’ defence. Again, Saxton added the extra points, and with Clare scoring a second penalty the sides turned round with the visitors leading 14-6.

The second half was a wholly different scenario, with Teignmouth cranking up the pressure, sticking to their gameplan, and racking up a further four tries, despite playing the first 10 minutes without Rob Parsons who was sin-binned for deliberate obstruction just on half-time.

Within three minutes Gray had completed his brace, before the backs got into the action. Acting captain Chris Tidman scored his seventh try of the season with an explosive run, before wing Jake Allison peeled off the back of a rolling maul to outpace the tiring Paignton defence. The scoring was completed by the versatile Ben Parrett, normally a back rower but playing in the centre.

With ten minutes remaining, and the Teigns looking likely to run riot, Saxons’ replacement Paul Hobbs suffered a nasty ankle injury. Although he was able to be treated by the paramedics in the warmth of the dressing room, it took some while for him to be carried from the pitch and the referee decided to call an early end to proceedings.

Coach Simon Morrell was delighted with his side’s performance, especially in the second half, and also with their fourth place in the table, just one point off a play-off position.

The next two weekends without a game will allow the likes of Aldworth and top scorer Will Sowden to recover from their injuries before Teignmouth return to Bitton Park on 4th January for a home match against Penryn.

The Paignton game was preceded by a minute’s silence in memory of Teignmouth stalwart Richard Osborne who died last week at the age of 49. “Oz” was a former Teigns’ captain and committee member who took up refereeing when his playing days were over, and he will be sadly missed by many at Bitton Park. His funeral takes place today at 2.30pm at St James’s church.

Photo: Lorna Gray