Wiveliscombe suffered their first defeat of the new season against a useful Barnstaple Athletic team.

The home side struggled to reach the level of performance shown in their first two league matches.

Missing their key scrum-half Richard Baker due to a leg injury, Wiveliscombe's coordination between forwards and the backline was notably affected.

Oliver Luxton, returning from injury, also had a recurrence early in the game, impacting the centre pairing.

Barnstaple made an early attempt to score, breaking away on the top touchline, but Wiveliscombe's defence stopped the move close to the tryline.

However, the visitors soon scored with a similar move finished by winger Ollie Adams.

The two teams cancelled each other out for the rest of the first half, ending at 0-5.

Wiveliscombe's set pieces worked well throughout the match, leading to a try for winger Dan Rottenbury, converted by Will Thorne, putting them ahead at 7-5.

However, Wiveliscombe were heavily penalised throughout the game at the breakdown and for creeping offside.

Barnstaple increased their lead with Tom Swales converting one of these penalties, making it 7-8.

Wiveliscombe had a decent spell of pressure midway through the second half and were awarded a penalty in the visitors' 22.

The kick was turned down in favour of a scrum, which the visitors disrupted, causing the chance to slip away.

The last quarter of the game belonged to Barnstaple, with eye-catching scrum-half Ross Swales crossing for two tries, one converted by Tom Swales, sealing the final score at 7-20.

In a more positive note, Wiveliscombe's second XV delivered an outstanding performance against Morganians at Plain Pond.

The home team scored 10 tries, with James Canfield leading the way with a hat-trick.

Seven other players, including Josh Alford and Cameron Palk, added a try each, leading to an impressive 64-14 victory.

Cameron Palk also added seven conversions.

Wiveliscombe's first XV will face Tavistock at home on September 28 at 3pm.