TEIGNMOUTH RFC remain mired in the South West Two relegation scrap after suffering a 28-10 defeat at Cullompton.

The Stafford Park clash was third-from-bottom Teignmouth’s chance to put some distance between themselves and drop-spot sides Truro and Newton Abbot.

Cullompton, who were only seven points clear of the relegation places themselves, knew a loss would drag them back into relegation orbit.

Four wins in the last six starts, including this one, have hoisted Cullompton 12 points above the bottom two.

Teignmouth, who have only won once in their last nine outings, are hovering three points above Truro and Newton Abbot, who are both on 23 points.

Pete Parsons, the Teignmouth captain, felt the final scoreline was not an accurate reflection of the game.

“The score line suggests another heavy defeat, but the game was much closer than that,” said Parsons.

“We were only 13-10 down with 15 minutes to go, but Cullompton played the conditions better than we did.

“We had the vast majority of possession but could not capitalise on it.”

It wasn’t the prettiest of games – mud-bath conditions contributed to that – but the only thing that mattered was the result.

Cullompton led 13-3 at half time thanks to a Ben Leggott try, plus the conversion and two penalties from Josh Luxon. Jack Mayne landed a penalty for the Teigns.

Teignmouth closed the gap to 13-10 early in the second half when Jack Henderson went in for a try that Mayne converted.

Cullompton pulled away with a second Leggott try, another from Sevie Hurrell, plus a penalty and conversion from Luxon.

Teignmouth finished the game pounding away at the Cullompton line, but were held up twice by the Cullompton pack.

Next up is a crucial home clash against local rivals Newton Abbot on Saturday, March 1.