Wellington seconds put in their best display of the season so far but came up short against the league’s early pacesetters, losing 27-3 to St Bernadettes Old Boys in Tribute Somerset 1.

The Wellington back row of Henry Roffe-Sylvester, Simon Bellamy and Mike Perry led the defensive effort and pinned the opposition in their own half for the first half hour.

When the Wellington pack produced some possession the back line flowed beautifully with Will Brewer distributing the ball well. Alan Jarman was a constant threat whenever he had the ball in his hands and Bernadettes looked ruffled and started to make unforced errors. When Wellington did have to defend Andrew Bellamy’s work rate was superb.

The match was 39 minutes old before a score was made, which came from Bernadettes after their stocky scrum half took a quick tap penalty, fed the flanker who sprinted 20 metres to touch down out wide. The conversion was missed which left the score 5-0 at half time.

With the introduction of Tim Jenkinson in the back line, Wellington looked stronger and stronger and it was his deft pass which set Brett Perry down the wing. He bulldozed two players and crossed the try line only to be adjudged held up.

As the match continued Wellington continued to attack and when Brewer was tackled high in front of the posts, the three points were added by Dan Hinton. The match was in the balance and it looked like Wellington may cause an upset.

Bernadettes aren’t top of the league by chance though, and they regrouped and after a long kick down field led to a five metre scrum, their pack shoved the Welly eight back to allow their scrum half to dot down. The conversion attempt was successful.

Wellington were still in the match at this time when a loose pass was hacked on by a Bernadette player and after a cruel bounce it was gathered by the same player who rounded the defence to score.

Wellington appealed to the Bernadette touch judge - who should be commended for running touch while also nursing a can of cider - that the player had his foot in touch, but the try stood.

With this score the wind was taken from Wellington sails and despite some great tackles from Luke Sellick and Jarman, Bernadettes added a penalty and another converted try to finish the match with a flattering score line of 27-3. Wellington can be pleased with their performance and but for a couple of mistakes in key positions they could have at least gained a losing bonus point.