Western Counties (W)

Wellington 22, Tiverton 7

THE R&Bs welcomed local rivals Tiverton to The Athletic Ground last Saturday for their first game in nearly a month due to postponements and the World Cup final, writes Allyn Chetland.

The game could not have started better for Wellington as winger Ash Harney crossed for the opening try directly from the kick off, much to the delight of 130+ watching vice-presidents, following outstanding play by flanker Liam Phillips.

Full-back Rob Hooper converted the try to give the R&Bs a very early 7-0 lead.

Further attacks followed and it looked like to all watching that the hosts would extend their lead but unforced errors and desperate defence prevented this.

Tiverton did have a purple patch camped on the line, however they left empty-handed following outstanding defence.

A superb and well-orchestrated attack was then halted illegally by Tiverton in front of the posts - Hooper stepped up to extend the lead to 10-0.

The R&Bs continued to press and these efforts were rewarded when the ball found Cam Venn, who galloped away to score an excellent team try.

Hooper made no mistake with the extras to give Wellington a 17-0 half-time lead.

Playing towards the clubhouse in the second half, the R&Bs were once again soon on the attack looking to put the game beyond reach.

There were periods of domination and frustration for Wellington but their efforts did not go unrewarded when Hooper crossed for a well worked try following some deft play by his team mates.

His touchline conversion rattled the post to make the score 22-0.

This score was Tiverton’s spur to double their efforts and the visitors crossed for a converted try to reduce the lead to 22-7.

Wrong options and good defence prevented any further scores.

Ash Harney and centre Vinny Gordon caught the eye of club faithful while second rows Regan Walker and Cam Venn were solid throughout.

Squad: Richards, Dyke, Walker (M), Venn, Walker (R), Lee, Phillips, Kitto, Goldstone, Jarman (capt), Pitman, Gordon, Hodgson, Harney, Hooper, Crosby, Batts, Hancock

This Saturday, the team travels to North Cornwall to take on Wadebridge Camels.

WELLINGTON 2nd XV entertained Old Sulians 1st XV last Saturday in a highly competitive and physical encounter, winning 22-13.

Try scorers were full-back Alex Davey (2), outside-half Will Brewer and no.8 Callum Warren, with Davey kicking a solitary conversion.

On Saturday, the team travel to Chew Valley.

Western Counties (W)

Wiveliscombe 17, Wadebridge Camels 23

WIVELISCOMBE’S ninth league encounter of the season turned out to be another closely contested match, writes Roger Bellamy.

The difference between the two teams was that visiting Wadebridge were successful with their kicks on three occasions, one conversion and two penalties, while Wivey managed just one conversion.

Playing down the slope in the first half, the home team started well and scored two early tries.

Captain John Ker forced his way over from a driving maul before winger Jake Sharland outpaced the visitors’ defence along the touchline to put the hosts 10-0 up.

Wivey’s scrum was again functioning well but their lineouts were poor and this gave the visitors good possession on numerous occasions.

Wadebridge scored their first try through influential scrum-half Owen Wilson, who showed good speed after hooker Matt Ballard had created space to deliver the try-scoring pass.

Danny Thomas converted to bring the score back to 10-7 at half-time.

The visitors looked to increase the pressure in the second half and the home team’s backs were too eager, being penalised on numerous occasions, and two Thomas kicks gave Wadebridge a 13-10 lead.

Despite being reduced to 14 players when a forward received a red card, Wadebridge increased their lead to 23-10 with tries from Sam Pollard and Will Pengelly.

Wiveliscombe finished strongly with a period of pressure in the visitors 22 which ended in a try for Dan Smyth Moore.

George Rowe converted on the second attempt after an early charge by the visitors.

The hosts picked up another losing bonus point, which could prove vital at the end of the season.

Wivey travel to Honiton on Saturday (2.30pm).

Somerset 2 (S)

Somerton 10, Wiveliscombe 2nd XV 18

WIVELISCOMBE’S Second XV are playing really well under the guidance of Ted Keay and won their fifth game in six at the weekend.

The mixture of experienced players alongside a sprinkling of younger lads is proving really effective.

On this occasion, Wivey’s tries were scored by John Palk, Paul Gridley and Dan Clark, while Tom Lally added one penalty.

The 2nd XV host Wyvern on Saturday (2.30pm).

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Wyvern defeated Minehead Barbarians 2nds 40-10 in Somerset 2 (South) on Saturday.

The win lifted Wyvern to eighth in the table and they travel to Wiveliscombe 2nds this weekend.

See the picture gallery above for match action.