WIVELISCOMBE stretched their lead to nine points at the top of Counties One Western West with a 36-19 home win over second-placed Paignton.

Playing down the slope in the first half, Wiveliscombe took an early lead through winger Dan Rottenbury. Paignton were soon level with centre Josh Gillard breaching Wivey’s defence to cross near the post. Flyhalf Brad McKee converted.

The underfoot conditions started to deteriorate early on and the visitors’ forwards began to give Wiveliscombe problems with their driving mauls even though they were playing up the slope. After a period of pressure, Paignton crossed for a second try through their other centre Harry Ward. McKee added his second conversion.

Wiveliscombe raised their game and constructed some nice moves which ended in two more first half tries. Captain Will Ellis, playing at No8, showed good strength to force his way over as did second row forward Rory Stone. Dan Quick added a conversion for a 17-14 lead.

Wiveliscombe’s supporters were expecting the worse in the second half with the pitch conditions not looking too good and the visitors’ forwards in no mood to leave without a victory but it was Wiveliscombe who used their pace to add three more tries in the second half. Left winger Tom Lally took advantage of a Paignton error in the oak tree corner to cross for a try, Dan Quick added his second conversion to make it 24-12.

Fullback Will Thorne, showing his impressive pace, scored in the club-house corner for a 29-14 lead. Paignton did reduce the deficit to five points with a try from No8 Jack Carlisle. But Wivey’s excellent No9 Richard Baker made sure of the victory with one of his special tries. Dan Quick added his third conversion.

Wiveliscombe Seconds travelled to Crewkerne in Counties Three Somerset Three and produced a much improved performance, despite losing 32-12.

Roger Bellamy