TOTNES made the best possible start to the new campaign in Devon Two South & West by defeating Tamar Saracens 29-19.

Summer recruitment and a positive pre-season meant Totnes went into the game in the right frame of mind.

Tries from debutant Toby Bishop and a long-range interception try by Ollie Stoneman, were both converted by Scott Hingston, who also had a penalty in a 17-0 half-time lead.

Totnes were on top at scrum-time after the break, frequently pushing Saracens off their own ball, which led to try under the posts for No.8 George Shinner.

There was a wobbly patch in the second half when the Totnes penalty count rose alarmingly, as did the yellow card count.

Saracens took advantage of Totnes’ shortcomings with three tries –and had a fourth not give for ‘held-up’ over the line.

Totnes had to dig deep to hold on to the lead. Ten minutes from time, Sarries coughed up a penalty try for a deliberate knock-on in the red zone.