With last weeks win Teignmouth fans came hoping for a repeat performance from the 1st XV team. Despite ending below us in the league last year Cullompton beat us at their ground in Feb 28-10 and at Bitton last Nov 26-40 so we had a lot to prove.

Teigns began strong, winning their early lineout. A confident kick to touch gained another lineout which wasn’t straight. Teigns had the first scrum of the game which they won, however a turnover ball and then a penalty gave Cullompton the opportunity to kick for posts, 0-3.

The ball was back in play and Teigns had an advantage. A great pick-up was seen from 4, VC Bilham. Teigns gained a penalty and were close to the try line but then gave away a penalty and Cullompton kicked for territory. Cullompton gained another penalty and again kicked for posts, 0-6.

With the ball back in play Teigns kicked and Cullompton knocked on. Teigns won their scrum and 15, Hellier kicked form hands. Cullompton kicked and this time Teigns knocked on. Despite the wind the kicking continued and eventually Teigns gained a penalty and went for posts but missed. Cullompton were in possession and came down the wing, great defence from 4, VC Bilham prevented a try. Cullompton gained and advantage and Teigns defence was holding well, however they eventually broke through taking the lead to 0-13 with a converted try.

The kick off didn’t go 10 giving Cullompton a scrum. From this they gained a penalty and went for posts again from the halfway line. The lead grew to 0-16.

Teignmouth continued to fight and a great kick by 15, Hellier went into touch giving Cullompton a lineout which they lost. Teigns were back in possessions and gained a penalty, kicked for a lineout which they won, gained an advantage, maul and a try for 6, captain Franklin 5-16.

Cullompton found themselves on the try line in home corner, but again the Teigns had possession and were pushing Cullompton back. A great tackle was put in by 11, Sowden and Teigns continued to push Cullompton back. A Teigns maul gave them the opportunity they were looking for and the ball came out through the hands to the wing and then back in, try for 5, Hayward, 10-16 for half time.

Teignmouth started strong for the 2nd half playing towards home corner. A lineout in home corner ended in a Cullompton penalty but Teigns quickly gained back possession, try 17, Bowen taking the score to a very close 15-16.

Teigns determination now showed and when Cullompton was in possessions the ball was stolen and Teigns gained an advantage. Advantage was over and Teigns pushed up, advantage gain and try for 15, Hellier, taking Teignmouth into the lead, 20-16.

There were several moments where it looked like Teignmouth would score and it was tense for the crowd at Bitton park. Eventually they were rewarded when Teigns won 2 scrums in a row and a try was scored by 11, Sowden, converted by 12, Mayne giving a lead of 27-16.

The game continued but there were no more points to be scored, Teignmouth had prevented Cullompton wining any points in the 2nd half and had secured their 2nd win of the season. Man of the match was awarded to 2, Pete Parsons.