WIVELISCOMBE boosted their title hopes in Counties One Western West with a 69-13 home victory over Plymstock Oaks, snapping up 11 tries, writes Roger Bellamy.

Second place Paignton are now nine points adrift of Wivey after they lost away to Newton Abbot, both teams having played the same number of games.

Tries from left wing Jack Lee, scrum half Richard Baker and No8 and captain William Ellis gave Wivey the perfect start in the opening twenty minutes. Flyhalf Dan Quick added two conversions.

Wiveliscombe’s right wing Reece Hale crossed for his side’s fourth try with Quick adding the conversion to secure the bonus point. Plymstock then enjoyed their best period of the game with their young set of threequarters finding holes in Wivey’s defence which led to a converted try from flyhalf Harry Dobson.

Centre Will Thorne crossed for Wivey’s fifth try to give the home team a 31pts-7pts lead which was reduced to 31pts-14pts when Plymstock’s full back Max Ringrose finished off a good move to score in the corner.

Centre Will Thorne crossed for his second try just before half time to give Wivey a 36pts 14pts lead.

Playing down the slope in the second half Wiveliscombe added another five tries with Reece Hale and Jack Lee crossing for thier second. Forwards Ross Pearson and Rob White crossed for a try each with Quick scoring the home team’s final try and added four conversions to complete a convincing victory.

In Counties Three Somerset South, 100 per cent leaders Wells beat Wiveliscombe’s second string 77-9

But Wiveliscombe, sitting in eighth position in the table, have games in hand over the three teams below them, so they have plenty to play for with three League games remaining this season.

Next fixtures -April 11 Wiveliscombe 1st XV v Torquay Athletic (away) League; Wiveliscombe 2nd XV v Bridgwater 2nds (home) League.