NOTHING less than a win will do now for Newton Abbot RFC in their last game of the season – and even that might not be enough to stave off relegation from South West Two.

The All Whites have wriggled off of the relegation hook for the past two seasons, but seem to have it all to do after losing 40-5 at North Petherton last time out. Callum Westaway was Newton Abbot’s lone try scorer against the Oaks.

Newton Abbot’s latest defeat – number 16 in 21 games so far – left them joint bottom of the table with Truro on 27 points. The only other side in danger of relegation are Teignmouth, who are one point better off.

As two sides will go down at the end of the season, all three candidates are in must-win territory on the final day when Teignmouth go to Winscombe and Truro visit second-placed Crediton.

Alongside this defeat for the All Whites, their 2nd team, the Spartans, were beaten back at Rackerhayes in a game to forget.

The winning feeling has often evaded both sides and a 75-22 demolition job from Sidmouth IIs went no way to changing that.

To rub further salt into the wounds of the Spartans, their local rivals New Cross RFC are competing at the other end of the table. New Cross are second behind only Crediton and haven’t played since the beginning of the month. Still to come for them are games against their high-flying rivals Crediton and also Old Technicians.

NA Spartans are at the foot of the table with no wins from 17 and their final game of the season comes on April 5 as they visit Tiverton II.

Photography by Steve Pope from the Spartans’ home defeat to Sidmouth II.