TOP of the table Wiveliscombe were given a stern test by ninth-placed Plymstock Oaks before winning 20-19 away in Counties One Western West, writes Roger Bellamy.

To their credit, Wiveliscombe never lost the belief they could win the game with the result in doubt right up to the final whistle. The home team proved a good test for Wiveliscombe with both teams having their fare share of possession.

Wiveliscombe opened the scoring with a try from scrum half Richard Baker which was cancelled out by a try from Charlie Watson for the home team.

Dan Quick kicked a penalty just before the break to give Wiveliscombe an 8pts 5pts lead at halftime.

Plymstock retook the lead early in the second half through Tyrone Hancock which was converted by full back Alexander Chapman and put themselves in a strong position midway when hooker Joseph Donnelly finished off good work by his fellow forwards close to Wivey’s try line to score the home team’s third try, Centre Duncan Bibby Converted.

Baker reduced the deficit to 19pts 13pts with his second try of the match but time was running out for Wivey and with minutes to go one last push by the forwards enabled back row Sam Habberfield to score the winning try, Quick converted to give Wiveliscombe the one point victory . Wiveliscombe stay top on 39 points,eight points above Paignton and Redruth seconds.

Wiveliscombe are having one of Thier most successful seasons and are looking forward to the Boxing Dat matches at ome to Wekllington.

Their coaches Mark Chatterton, Rob Weaver and Alex Westcott have proved an excellent combination and results so far this season are testament to the success already achieved.

Wiveliscombe seconds have found it hard going after their promotion but numbers remain healthy. Their home fixture against Wells on Saturday was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.