The All Whites were back on form this weekend with a well earned away win against Dorchester, Weymouth and Portland. After their previous encounter ended in a landslide, 108-0 victory to the Devon side, it was important that the team didn’t turn up and underestimate the Dorset opposition.

Dorchester, Weymouth and Portland were clearly a far superior side than the one that lost in September; much better drilled and significantly fitter and faster. However, Newton kept pushing forwards and after several unsuccessful breaks by the backs and hard fought breakdowns, the team found themselves camped in the opposition’s 5m area and second row Sophie Gunning took her opportunity on the narrow side to score the first try of the game.

Shortly after, the All Whites continued in the same haste and after some textbook rucks from the forwards, the backs received a clean ball and worked it beautifully across the hands to score on the outside. Tanya Cann securing her first try for Newton Abbots ladies.

Fly half Sian Brooks was grateful of the half time whistle after scoring a breakaway try from deep inside the Newton half. The conversion took the score to 17-0. Happy with the way the team were functioning, despite several injuries, the team stepped up for the second half but it was Dorchester who came out harder. Desperate to score, the home side fought well and Newton had to defend ferociously to prevent the score. However, much like Brooks' try, the Dorchester winger managed to breakaway not once but twice within 20 minutes as the Newton side were caught napping!

Fierce words from the All Whites Captain ensued and the much aggrieved players stepped it up a gear to perform some of the best rugby they have played all season with a well fought scrum and excellent attacking lines, leading to newly appointed scrum half Emma Jones scoring under the sticks. Final score 22-12 and the All whites team remain at the top of the league they only joined this year.

Forward of the match Vicky Payne performed stoically, stepping into the front row at the last minute and scrum half Jones, who normally wears the no.8 shirt, won the back of the match after a superb day at the office. Every player in the team performed extremely well and the squad continues to grow and develop.

Anyone who is interested in joining the team for some cathartic fitness please contact narfcladies@gmail.com.