WIVELISCOMBE took the honours in the annual rugby match against neighbours Wellington, winning 32-5 at The Rec, in probably the best playing conditions for several years, writes Roger Bellamy.

It led to an excellent attendance with supporters and neutrals from both towns taking the opportunity to watch a local derby.

Playing down the slope Wellington took the lead in the first five minutes after a loose pass from Wiveliscombe in a promising attack near the visitors try line was intercepted by the Wellington captain, centre George Hodgson, who ran seventy metres to score the first try of the game. The conversion was missed.

Opportunities were few and far between for the remainder of the first half with Wellington probably having territorial advantage but unable to overcome a solid Wiveliscombe defence who kicked a penalty to make it 5-3 before the interval.

Playing down the slope in the second half Wiveliscombe created some decent chances, both from their threes and forwards. Wellington produced some decent rugby at times but lacked the finishing touch as Wiveliscombe were able to cross for four tries, two from well constructed moves from their forwards and two from their backs.

Second Row Rory Stone finished off a driving maul from his fellow forwards for a try which flyhalf Dan Quick converted to make it 10-5 to the home side. Wiveliscombe increased their lead through Quick’s second penalty of the game which put the home side 13-5 up.

Scrum half Richard Baker, who rarely finishes a game without scoring and creating chances, crossed for the home team’s second try with Quick converting. Hooker Tom Stone finished off another good phase of play from the forwards to score Wivey’s third try again converted by Quick for a 27-5 lead.

Wellington were desperate to stay in the game but began to give away penalties which ended in yellow cards being given, Wiveliscombe took the opportunity to bring on their three Somerset Colts Olly Stanbury, Arthur Irvine and Jack Lee, and it was Lee who scored Wivey’s fourth try, finishing a good move along the top touch line to score in the corner.

The clubs’ two 2nd XV played each other at Plain Pond and this game, too, was was watched by a decent crowd and the game ended in a 14-14 draw. The result was difficult to predict as both teams have had difficult seasons in the same league

.Wellington brought a large squad of players hoping to gain the victory but the result was in doubt right up to the final whistle. Both teams played some decent open rugby to entertain their respective supporters.

Wiveliscombe opened the scoring with a try and conversion from full back Bill Briidgway.

Wellington produced a good period of pressure and were awarded a penalty try to make it 7-7. Wiveliscombe continued to run the ball at every opportunity and were rewarded with a try from Colt Arthur Irvine which was converted by Cameron Palk for a 14-7 lead at half time for the home outfit.

Wellington were desperate to get something out of the game and a try from Vinnie Robson with James Devlin converting earned the visitors a hard earned draw.

Neither of the clubs’ two sides have matches until league rugby resumes on Saturday, January 10.