WIVELISCOMBE stretched their lead to 15 points at the top of Counties One Western West with a 29-17 away win over Newton Abbot, writes Roger Bellamy.

The home team have always proved difficult opposition on their own pitch - and this proved to be the case.

Wiveliscombe made a solid start, scoring two tries through second row Martin Kimsey and left wing Jack Lee, while fly half Olly Stanbury converted both.

Wivey’s lead was reduced to nine points with the home team’s forwards scoring from a maul. Wiveliscombe’s third try came from a good move which gave winger Jack Lee room to evade several defenders to score in the corner. Stanbury made a excellent conversion.

Stanbury added a penalty to the visitors’ score early in the second half for a 24-5 lead. Wivey’s fourth bonus point try came from good forwards pressure finished off by flanker Sam Habberfield,

Newton Abbot were not to be denied and finished strongly, scoring two tries through centre Jed Griffin and scrum half Jack Sweeney. Griffin converted his try.

Wiveliscombe, on 73 points, now have a sizeable lead over second place Paignton who lost 42-12 to Kingsbridge and twenty one point lead over Barnstaple 2nd XV who lost 43-24 at Penryn.

Playing at home, Wiveliscombe 2nd XV just failed to secure any bonus points in a 21-33 loss to Chard but they continue to show improvement and gave a spirited performance against a physically larger team.

Playing down the slope in the first half, Wiveliscombe were behind 7-21 at half-time with prop Dan Strong crossing for a try with Hugh Harris converting.

Wiveliscombe levelled the scores mid-way through the second half, scoring tries through centre Thomas Lally and hooker Ashley Irvine. Harris converted both. Chard finished strongly, adding two more tries.

Wiveliscombe lst XV are away to Penryn in a league match on Saturday, March 14.