Wiveliscombe RFC's first team fell to a narrow defeat against Paignton in a thrilling encounter.
The match took place at Paignton, where the sun shone brightly over the pitch.
The hosts started strongly, with prop Maxim Cole crossing the line within the first five minutes, putting the home side ahead 5-0.
Wiveliscombe responded well, with fly-half Ollie Stanbury converting a penalty to narrow the gap to two points.
However, Paignton quickly regained control, scoring their second try through centre Josh Gillard, with Brad McKee adding the conversion to make it 12-3.
Determined not to be outdone, Wiveliscombe's left wing Jack Lee found space in the corner to score, bringing the score to 12-8.
Paignton's scrum half, DeWald Stoop, showcased his talent by scoring his side's third try, which McKee converted, extending their lead to 19-8.
Wiveliscombe's Rob White then crossed for their second try, reducing the deficit to just six points at half-time, with the score at 19-13.
The second half saw Paignton extend their lead to 26-13 as Stoop scored his second try, again converted by McKee.
Wiveliscombe fought back with a try from flanker Sam Habberfield, converted by Stanbury, narrowing the score to 26-20.
Paignton responded with back row forward Kyle Cane scoring to push the lead to 33-20.
Stoop then completed his hat-trick, with McKee converting to make it 40-20.
Wiveliscombe's scrum half Richard Baker found a gap near a maul to score, with Stanbury converting for a bonus point try, bringing the score to 40-27.
As the match drew to a close, Wiveliscombe's Jack Lee crossed for another try, converted by Stanbury, but it was not enough to change the outcome, with the final score reading 43-34.
Despite the loss, Wiveliscombe maintain a five-point lead in the league as they head into their final four fixtures.
Their next match is against Plymstock at home on Saturday, March 28.
Meanwhile, Wiveliscombe's second XV secured a 41-17 win over Crewkerne in one of their best performances of the season.
Lucas Irvine ran in three tries, with Arthur Irvine adding two.
Elliott Chub and Rowan Keyte also scored one try each, with Cameron Palk kicking three conversions.
A special mention was given to Cayden Bush for a strong all-round performance, with Wiveliscombe moving up to ninth in the league.
They are set to travel to Wells on Saturday, March 28.
Share