WIVELISCOMBE lst XV travelled south to Cornwall to play mid-table Saltash and gained a thrilling 36-35 victory in Counties One Western West.

It was their third win in four matches and they now share top spot on 16 points with Paignton, who have a slightly superior points difference, and Redruth 2nd XV, with St Ives only a point behind the trio with 15 points.

Wivey had to make several enforced changes but those players coming into the team played their part in this good game rugby with the visitors crossing for six tries.

Wiveliscombe scored all of their six tries through their backs. Leading the way with a hattrick of tries was influencial scrum half Richard Baker who was a thorn in the home team’s side throughout the 80 minutes. Centres Joshua Alford and Will Ruell crossed for a try each with winger Dan Rottenbury adding Wiveliscombe’s sixth try of the game.

Playing at fullback Will Thorne was on target with three conversions which eventually proved vital. Saltash scored two tries in the first half through prop Robert Walsh and winger Ryan Cruickshank with scrum half Jack Pritchard adding one conversion. Wivey led 36-12 at the interval - and looking seemingly for a comfortable victory.

But Wiveliscombe had to work hard in the second half and needed that first half lead to take them to victory. The home team crossed for two more tries through No8 Finlay Jones and Cruickshank with Pritchard converting both and adding three penalties but Wiveliscombe just did enough to secure their third league victory of the season.

Fixtures for the coming Saturday, October 18: Wiveliscombe 1st XV v St Ives 1st XV (home) League. 3pm KO; Wiveliscombe 2nd XV v North Petherton 2nd XV ( Away ) League. Sunday, October 19 Wiveliscombe Ladies v Trojans 2nds Ladies (Away) League. Wiveliscombe Colts v Frome Colts (Home).