WIVELISCOMBE fell to just their second defeat of the 2025/26 Counties One Western West season in a thriller at second-placed Paignton who are now within five points of the village outfit.

The hosts started with a bang and were five points up in as many minutes with a try from prop Maxim Cole.

Wiveliscombe gradually worked their way into the game and were rewarded with a penalty which was converted by fly-half Ollie Stanbury.

Paignton put together some decent three-quarter moves from which they scored their second try through centre Josh Gillard with fly-half Brad McKee adding the conversion for 12-3. Wiveliscombe hit back again,producing an opening for left-wing Jack Lee to score in the corner.

Paignton’s scrum-half Dewald Stoop was dangerous throughout and crossed for their third try with McKee adding the conversion (19-8), but Wivey finished the half within six points thanks to an unconverted try from back-row forward Rob White.

The Cherries opened up a 26-13 lead early in the second half with Stoop crossing for his second try and McKee adding his third conversion. However, the Somerset side continued to plug away with flanker Sam Habberfield crossing next with Stanbury adding the extras.

However the hosts continued to keep themselves ahead with back-rower Kyle Cane giving them a 33-20 lead which was soon increased by another seven with Stoop going over again for McKee to slot his fifth kick from six.

It was now a case of securing a bonus-point try and then possibly seeing if they could snatch another for losing bonus point for Wiveliscombe and their task got off to a great start as scrum-half Richard Baker crossed for one of his trademark tries by finding a gap close to a maul. Stanbury added the conversion.

At 40-27 up, the home side unsurprisingly went for the posts when awarded a penalty to mean the visitors needed more than two converted tries, and McKee made no mistake for 43-27.

Lee’s second try of the afternoon gave the visitors a fifth try, but Paignton were deserving winners in a thrilling contest at Queens Park.

The result means Wiveliscombe have a five-point lead with four games remaining in their quest for promotion – two at home and two away – which starts with a visit from Plymstock Oaks on Saturday (2.30pm).

They then have a week off before three successive Saturdays which see away trips to Torquay Athletic and Redruth Seconds either side of entertaining Barnstaple Seconds on April 18.

Wiveliscombe gave one of their best performances of the season with a comprehensive 41-17 win over visitors Crewkerne in Counties Three Somerset South, a result which saw them move up to ninth.

Wivey crossed for seven tries with Lucas Irvine leading the way with a hat-trick, while Arthur Irvine added another two with Elliott Chub and Rowan Keyte adding one apiece. Cameron Palk kicked three conversions. Cayden Bush deserved a special mention for a fine all-round performance.

The seconds are on their travels this weekend when they head to Wells.

WIVELISCOMBE at Paignton: Will Thorne; Dan Rottenbury, Reece Hale, Patrick Holyday, Jack Lee; Ollie Stanbury, Richard Baker; Matthew Ellis, Tom Stone, Jack Thorne; Rory Stone, Daniel Smythe-Moore; Rob White, Sam Habberfield, Will Ellis. Replacements: Ross Pearson, Archie Brammall, Tom Lally.

Tries: Lee (2), White, Habberfield, Baker; Convs: Stanbury (3); Pens: Stanbury.