Wellington 1st XV 36-24 Sidmouth 1st XV

The Chiefs welcomed Sidmouth to The Athletic Ground last Saturday, the last league game of this campaign, both teams knew who ever won would finish in 5th position.

Playing towards the clubhouse The Chiefs made a poor start to the game finding themselves 7 points down within the opening minutes following soon inaccurate play and a charged down clearance kick.

The Chiefs responded well to this setback and put together some excellent attacking phases, these attacks resulted in Chris Kitto rumbling over for an unconverted try.

This injury could have deflated The Chiefs but any doubts were soon quashed when Ryan Marke powered over for a try which was converted by Alex Davey to take the lead.

The Chiefs continued to play with pace and continuity another well orchestrated attack saw George Hodgson cross for a try, his silky running traumatising Sidmouth’s defence, Davey converted to give The Chiefs an handsome lead.

Sidmouth came back strong in the dying minutes of the half, The Chiefs were reduced to 14 men as a result.

On the stoke of halftime Sidmouth reduced the arrears via a penalty after The Chiefs infringed once more at a ruck in front of their posts - 19-10 to The Chiefs at halftime.

With The Chiefs still a player down at the start of the second half Sidmouth came out with all guns blazing trying to take advantage of the extra man but The Chiefs defence stood firm to ride out this difficult period.

Now back at full complement The Chiefs once again looked threatening, Sidmouth went further behind when The Chiefs Captain, Danny Lee, muscled his way over for his teams bonus point try which was converted by Davey.

Both teams continued to press and impress Sidmouth once again reduced the arrears with a converted try, The Chiefs responded with a Davey penalty before the game was finally taken out of Sidmouth’s reach when replacement Toby Redwood wiggled his way over The Chiefs fifth try of the match despite once again going down to 14 players, this try was again converted by Davey.

The final score of the game went to Sidmouth who crossed for well taken converted try, the visitors continued to press in the dying minutes but the resilient Chiefs defence kept them at bay - final score 36-24 to The Chiefs.

A well deserved win for The Chiefs which sees the team finish a respectable fifth in the table, finishing above the other Somerset teams in the league.

Next week a change of competition for The Chiefs as they welcome Taunton II to The Athletic Ground in the Somerset Cup - KO 3pm.