Weston-super-Mare slipped to their third National Three South West league defeat in a row as Newton Abbot's stand-off Rob Avery-Wright landed a late minute penalty for the All Whites to steal the game 23-22.

Lock Andy Glen and wing Sylvan Edwards crossed the whitewash for Weston in the first half with Chris Young landing a penalty and the conversion of Glen's opening touchdown for a 12-6 half time lead.

Young converted a try from fly-half Harry Jones early in the second half to stretch Weston's lead before the All White came back with a converted try. Jones was then yellow carded for going off his feet.

Another converted try 13 minutes into the half gave the visitors the lead for the first time only for Young to restore the advantage with a penalty.

Just a Jones was returning to the fray, Weston No.8 Cronan Gleeson. and the All White centre Alex Moore was sent to the sin-bin.

Avery-Wright attempted a drop goal which went wide but the referee pulled play back for a penalty which the fly-half duly slotted between the upright to take the game on teh stroke of full time

The defeat leaves Weston one place off the foot of the table going into the New Year when they travel to face Barnstaple (January 3) who three places and four points above after their 28-17 defeat away to second placed Exmouth.

Redingensians are seven points clear at the top of the table following their 43-22 home win over Bournemouth, third placed Brigham won 23-10 away to Oxford Harlequins while Hornets are fourth after their match away to Old Centralians was postponed.

Bracknell are fifth despite their 27-24 defeat away to Old Centralians; basement side Chard won their first league success with a 17-15 win away to Old Redcliffians.

Weston United returned to winning ways in the Tribute Somerset Premier league with a 45-nil win away to Imperial who are rooted at the foot of the table.

The United are three points behind second placed Winscombe who had a 21-12 home win over Minehead Barbarians while Gordano are a further six points clear unbeaten at the top of the table with a 36-24 win away to Wiveliscombe.

Weston Athletic's Tribute Somerset Two North game was cancelled as visitors Keynsham 3rdXV were unable to raise a side.