WIVELISCOMBE go into the New Year with an eight-point lead at the top of Counties One Western West following a thrilling 30-27 away win over Barnstaple Athletic, writes Roger Bellamy.

Wivey started well enough and a Dan Quick penalty gave them an 11- minute lead.

Barnstaple scored the first try of the game on 22 minutes through second row Max Moore.

Quick converted his second penalty on 30 minutes to give Wiveliscombe a 6-5 lead but a second try from Barnstaple through centre Euan Kent gave the home team a 10-6 advantage.

Barnstaple started the second half strongly and Moore and Euan Kent crossed for tries with winger Cameron Johnson adding the home team’s fifth try. Harrison Green Slade kicked one conversion for a 27-6 lead.

Over the next 30 minutes Wiveliscombe showed why they are top, scoring another four tries. Flanker Sam Habberfield finished off good work from his fellow forwards to score his team’s opening try. Six minutes later full back Will Thorne crossed for Wivey’s second try converted.

Three quarter Tom Pike crossed for Wivey’s third try to bring them within one score of their hosts.

Wiveliscombe’s forwards produced another good phase of play near Barnstaple’s try line and with 80 minutes on the clock hooker Tom Stone scored the all important try to secure Wiveliscombe’s 11th victory of the season. Quick converted.

Wiveliscombe Seconds went down 41-12 at home to Weston 3rds in this Counties 3 Tribute Ale Somerset South League match at Plain Pond.

Weston were the stronger team but Wiveliscombe had their moments, crossing for two tries through scrum half Hugh Harris and second row Torin Kette. Harris added one conversion.

Fixtures, Jan 10: Wiveliscombe v Truro (home), League. Wiveliscombe 2nd XV v Wellington 2nd XV (away), League. Jan 11: Wiveliscombe Colts v Yatton Colts ( home); Wiveliscombe Ladies v North Dorset (away), League.