WIVELISCOMBE lst XV travelled to Ivybridge for their third away game in four matches in Regional 2 Tribute Ale South West to play a team in the top four and gave a spirited performance before going down to a 26-12 defeat, writes Roger Bellamy.

The home team had the edge in the backs but Wiveliscombe’s scrums gave the home team plenty to think about throughout the game. Tries for Ivybridge came from winger Edward Foster, prop Owen Garner, No8 Joseph Owen and replacement Jack Skeemer, Flyhalf Harry Newan-Wild added three conversions.

Wiveliscombe’s points came from skipper Will Ellis, which was converted by fly half Olly Standbury, and a penalty try resulting in a yellow card for Ivybridge.

The result leaves Wiveliscombe still without a win since being promoted and down in tenth place after four matches.

Penzance & Newlyn are 100 per cent and have a three-point lead at the top of the table, with Okehampton in second spot.

Wiveliscombe 2nd XV made the short journey to Bridgwater for their first away game of the season in Counties Three Somerset South - and also lost 39-17.

Wiveliscombe’s last two league games have been close but at one point in this game it looked as though they might concede fifty or more points with the score on 39pts 3pts.

To their credit they finished strongly, scoring two tries in the last ten minutes through centre Dean Rawles and second row Rowan Keyte both converted by Henry Graydon.

This was Wiveliscombe’s fourth loss in four matches which also leaves them in tenth spot. Tor head the table with a 100 per cent record after four fixtures and have a one-point lead over second-placed Castle Cary with Weston three points further adrift.

Wiveliscombe fixtures for October 24: 1st XV v Sherborne 1st XV (home) League; 2nd XV v Chard 2nd XV (home) League.