Dartmouth were keen to blow away the cobwebs after the Regatta break and welcomed a Paignton ll XV.

Dartmouth had a strong squad of 21 players to choose from ranging from the very experienced to the raw but talented, and hopes were high of a home win.

They were also resplendent in a new strip, kindly sponsored by the Sportsmans Arms, Hermitage Sheet Metal, Crab and Buck­et, Ribeye and the Ship In Dock Inn.

It was a strong start from Dartmouth, who were playing towards the Stoke Fleming end, and resulted in an early infringement from Paignton and a penalty chance for Dartmouth through fly-half Josh Bruckner, who just pushed it wide.

But relentless pressure eventually told and there was a try from John Dingle in the 15th minute that Bruck­ner duly converted this time to make it 7-0 to the home side.

However, this lead was to be a short one and Paignton drew level from the resulting kick-off when the home side missed a couple of tackles and allowed the opposing fly-half to run in a score under the posts.

A period of stalemate now ensued, with neither team being able to capitalise other than a penalty apiece.

It looked as though this was going to be the half time score, but Paignton had other ideas and in the 39th minute of the half scored an un­converted try to lead 10-15 at the break.

For the second half, Dart­mouth made a couple of changes, with Jose Arjone and Connor Cranfield making their debuts for Dartmouth.

Alas, this was to prove to no avail as Paignton continued where they had left off in the first half and scored a further two penalties and a try in quick succession to make the score 10-26 in their favour.

Playing coach Tom Clark now made a swathe of changes, bringing on Jack Stirk, Vince May and ‘Shag­gy’.

Dartmouth were under the cosh but not beaten as around the 70-minute mark they scored a try from some strong running by centre Zach Broad, finished off by Cranfield and converted by Bruckner.

But the fleeting home revival was put to bed when Dartmouth gave away a penalty on the half way line, normally safe from that distance, but the Paignton kicker slotted over and put the result beyond doubt at 17-29.

Dartmouth were disappointed with the result, but will get stronger, with players who were unavailable this week and team training from those that were.

They should be able to make a formidable challenge next week at home to a Kingsbridge seconds team, where the South Hams Cup will be up for grabs.

The match is scheduled to kick-off at 2.45pm at the Norton Park ground.