WIVELISCOMBE stretched their lead in Counties One Western West to ten points with a 43-28 home win over Kingsbridge, writes Roger Bellamy.

However, they were given a good test by Kingsbridge who led by 13 points early in the second half.

Playing down the slope in the first half Kingsbridge took the lead with right winger Ethan Dalton showing good pace to score in the bottom corner. George Banfield converted.

Wiveliscombe scored their first try with No8 Dan Smythe-Moore finishing off a good driving maul. Joe Banfield, playing at scrum half for the visitors and his brother George at flyhalf, caught the eye throughout the game and it was George who scored the visitors’ second try. He converted for a 14-5 lead.

Winger Dan Rottenbury crossed for Wivey’s second try, doing well to catch a bouncing ball to score in the clubhouse corner.

Kingsbridge continued to play a running game where they looked dangerous and were rewarded with a third try from centre Toby Baldry. George Banfield added his third conversion for a 21-10 advantage.

Fly-half Dan Quick crossed for Wivey’s third try early in the second half but a second try of the game for Baldry with Banfield adding his third conversion kept the visitors 13 points ahead.

Youngster Jack Lee scored Wivey’s fourth bonus-point try which he also converted.

The visitors’ forwards began to tire allowing the home team to cross for tries through No8 Dan Smythe-Moore and prop Matt Ellis. Scrum half Olly Stanbury converted both.

Wiveliscombe’s threes put centre Will Thorne in for the final try, with Olly Stanbury adding his third conversion.

Other results: Martock 41, Wiveliscombe 2nd XV 17; Bridgwater Ladies 12, Wiveliscombe Ladies 17 (NC South West League).

Fixtures, March 7: Newton Abbot v Wiveliscombe; Wiveliscombe 2nd XV v Chard 2nd XV; Yeovil Colts v Wiveliscombe Colts. March 8: Wiveliscombe Ladies v Devizes.