WIVELISCOMBE Ladies welcomed near-neighbours Cullompton II to the Rec for their second league game of the season - and the result was an absorbing game with the visitors eventually gaining a 26-17 victory .

However, this was a fixture in which Cullompton appeared to be in complete control when leading 19-0 at one stage in the match before a spirited and determined fightback brought delight for home supporters.

The home side chose to play up the slope first and although there were no points on the board for either team, the opening 15 minutes saw end to end rugby with chances both ways.

Despite Wiveliscombe’s resolute defence keeping Cullompton at bay for long spells, the visitors struck first with a try through hard carries by the forward pack, while the extras were missed.

The Devon side’s ability to compete at the breakdown proved decisive, with the home side struggling to gain the upper hand in the ruck. Two more converted tries saw Wiveliscombe trailing 0-19 at the half time whistle.

Despite the deficit in scoreline, Wiveliscombe continued to battle and stayed in the contest. Now playing down the slope, they found themselves with more ball in hand and attacking opportunities, scoring tries in both corners through Sophie Phillips and Emma Weaver.

Cullompton gradually began to find their way through the Wiveliscombe defence, building pressure and slowly breaking down the home side’s resistance. Their sustained pressure eventually resulted in them breaking through Wivey’s defences for another converted try which eventually proved decisive.

Wiveliscombe stayed in the fight until the final whistle with Phillips going under the posts for her second of the game late on. The conversion was scored to see the game end Wiveliscombe 17-26 Cullompton II.