WIVELISCOMBE lst XV secured their 14th victory of the season with a hard-earned 22-14 away success over St Ives (SW) to stay top of Counties One Western West, writes Roger Bellamy.

In a closely contested match, there was never more than five points separating the two teams until the last minutes when Wiveliscombe crossed for their fourth bonus point try.

Wiveliscombe were first on the score board when influential scrum half Richard Baker broke from a scrum to force his way over the St Ives try line. However, St Ives levelled the scores on 23 minutes when prop James Curnow forced his way over after a period of pressure near Wivey’s try line. Scrum half Nick Prout converted for a 7-5 lead for the home side.

Second row Ross Pearson was next to score, finishing off a period of pressure from the Wivey forwards to cross the home team's try line from a maul. Flyhalf Dan Quick converted to give Wivey a 12-7 lead.

St Ives retook the lead on 34 minutes through scrum half Nick Prout. Centre William MC Ritchie converted to give the home team a 14-12 lead. Promising youngster Oliver Stanbury, playing on the left wing, showed excellent pace to cross for Wiveliscombe’s third try for a 17-14 lead at the interval.

Scoring chances came and went for both teams in the second half and a try from either team would probably secure a win. Wiveliscombe’s bonus point try secured the victory with second row Ross Pearson crossing for his second five pointer of the game.

Wiveliscombe remain five points clear of second-placed Paignton with a game in hand.

Wiveliscombe 2ndXV’s game at home was cancelled with the visitors unable to raise a team.

Fixtures for Feb 21st: Wiveliscombe 1st XV v Saltash 1st XV (home) League; Wiveliscombe 2nd XV v Tor (away) League.