NEWTON Abbot’s improved form continued with a dramatic 33-all draw against visiting North Petherton.

That’s 11 points from the last 15 on offer to the All Whites, who have narrowed the distance between themselves and South West Two safety down to just three points. It was seven points before the run started- beating fellow strugglers Truro to kickstart it before then drawing with Wadebridge Camels at Rackerhayes last weekend.

The All Whites went 14-0 up in the first half but were pegged back to 14-all by the break.

Petherton went 28-14 then 33-21 up in the second half as Newton lost their way after stand-off Jake Monnington went off for treatment.

With Monnington patched up and back on the pitch, the All Whites trimmed the deficit to 33-28. Lloyd Radford’s try two minutes from time earned Newton the draw.

Newton Abbot’s other try scorers were Toby Pascoe, Scott Mason, Jacob Forey and Jed Griffin. Monnington (3) and Forey were the goal-kickers in the absence of Jay Barnes.

After the win over Truro at the beginning of the month, NARFC Director of Rugby Mike Saxton spoke of how the club “targeted these three games in January”, emphasizing that it was “all about short-term goals, goals that aren’t very far away, that we’re looking at just knocking off and concentrating on what is just around the corner” so credit must go to all involved for this trio of successful results.

Next up, Newton Abbot are away to Okehampton this Saturday.

Meanwhile, New Cross 2nd XV defeated Torquay Athletic Extras 33-28 in a club game at Five Lanes.

New Cross 1st XV return to Devon Two action after a week off with a home fixture against Exeter Athletic this Saturday.