Honiton 1st XV slumped to their first defeat of the season on Saturday afternoon losing in Kingsteignton 8-6 to New Cross, having failed to capitalise on superior possession and territorial advantage.

Honiton 1st XV slumped to their first defeat of the season on Saturday afternoon losing in Kingsteignton 8-6 to New Cross, having failed to capitalise on superior possession and territorial advantage.

The Lacemen started well but were held up by basic errors all afternoon, and were too quick to force the pass, when taking the possession into contact would have been the better option.

New Cross were also guilty of making unforced errors at this stage but, following a serious leg break to Honiton's number eight, Josh Rice, the home side eased into Honiton's half.

Rice, 20, had to have pins and plates put into his leg and faces another operation in six weeks time to remove one of the pins.

Honiton infringed unnecessarily several times allowing New Cross a shot at goal. The attempt failed, but they soon kicked to the corner from another penalty. They elected to catch and drive from the lineout, and Honiton were unable to defend the set piece. The try went unconverted but the score provided a lead into the wind.

Honiton returned to the other half promptly and eventually won a penalty for offside under the posts. Captain Hannay elected for a shot at the posts and Guilbert reduced the deficit to two points at the break.

The visitors knew that they had to up their game. Lane scored only for the referee to call it held up. Honiton pressed on with Guilbert scoring another penalty to put Hannay's side into the lead.

New Cross came back with a penalty and were back in the lead 8-6.

Findlay scored only to be adjudged held up once more, Guilbert's last kick skewed wide.