Last-minute try seals Cullompton's first win of the season

At last! Cullompton are off the mark at the fourth time of asking in Two South West thanks to a 38-35 win at Newton Abbot.

But they went about it the hard way as they were 35-19 down with time ticking down and seemed to be on course for another defeat.

The game was won and lost in a bizarre manner in the last minute when Newton Abbot, who were 35-33 ahead, gave away a penalty in front of their own posts.

Instead of taking the three points on offer, Cully kicked the penalty into the corner and worked their way over for a try from the ensuing line-out. Zac May was the try scorer.

The failed conversion was the last act of the match.

Chris Grant, the Cullompton team manager, said there was a simple reason why they did not take the three points for a penalty.

“The scoreboard had not been updated and we thought we needed five points to win it,” said Grant.

“Not good for the coaching and management team on the sidelines, I can assure you.”

Cullompton’s complete list of try scorers was Sam Gibbs, Luke Shergold, Josh Luxon, May (two) and Jacob Hodgson. Josh Luxon popped over four conversions from six attempts.

Newton Abbot, who had only won one of their first three games, must be kicking themselves for letting this one slip away.

They were 21-7 up shortly before half time and variously 28-14 and 35-19 in front in the second half. It was quite a comeback by Cullompton, which Grant attributed to a number of factors.

“The players showed good belief in themselves to stay in the fight,” said Grant. “Fresh legs from the bench made an impact and the players had listened to what they had been told and could see what needed to be done.”

Cullompton are away to Plymstock Oaks this Saturday in the first round of the Devon Intermediate Cup.

Lewis Manning, Toby Matthews and Tyler Voaden all completed try hat-tricks for Tiverton II in the 85-12 demolition job on Teignmouth Reserves in Devon Two North & East.

Four wins so far have elevated Tiverton to second place behind Sidmouth.

Ed Ryder knocked over 10 conversions.

Crediton II trounced Newton Abbot Spartans 52-10 to maintain their 100 per-cent record in the same division.