THE pressure is on Teignmouth to conjure-up a win in this Saturday’s derby clash with Newton Abbot at Rackerhayes, writes Conrad Sutcliffe.

The Teigns’ 40-24 home defeat by Cullompton last time out was their fourth loss in a row and left them one point clear of the bottom two. Only Truro and Newton Abbot are below them.

Another defeat now could worsen Teignmouth’s situation, particularly if Truro bounce back from their ton-up pasting by Tiverton with a win over visiting Okehampton,

Pete Parsons, the Teignmouth captain, said derbies don’t come any more crucial than the next one.

“The Newton game is always our biggest of the season, but our recent run of results has made it even bigger,” said Parsons. “I reckon Newton Abbot feel the same….”

Pete Bilham flying in for his first of 3 tries
Pete Bilham flying in for his first of 3 tries (Lorna Gray)

Luke Shergold’s fourth minute try put Cully into a lead they were never going to lose at Bitton Park. Josh Luxon converted.

By half time there were further Cully tries on board for Jacob Hodgson, Sevie Hurrell, Hugh Moore and Luxon, who was four out of five from the tee.

Pete Bilham and Dayne Layton were the Teignmouth try scorers in the first half. Jack Mayne popped over a conversion.

Sam Cooke’s 47th minute score was the only addition to Cully’s try tally in the second half. Luxon added the points after.

Two converted tries in the final 15 minutes – both for Bilham to complete a hat-trick – earned Teignmouth a consolation bonus point.

Jai Simmons showng that props don't just scrummage!
Jai Simmons showng that props don't just scrummage! (Lorna Gray)