Western Counties West
Wellington 0 Exeter University 49

ON a beautiful afternoon, ideal for running rugby, the Red and Blacks conceded eight tries against a rampant University side at the Athletic Ground last Saturday.

The young side were hoping to build on the excellent performance against Truro while the University were still smarting from the home defeat to Devonport Services in their last outing.

The Uni impressed throughout, both in attack and defence options, while Wellington’s game preparations were hampered due to a warm-up injury which resulted in last-minute reshuffle with Jack Woodland moving to the wing and Sam John taking his place on the flank, leaving the home side with only two forward replacements.

Their cause was further hampered when winger Nev Pitman had to permanently leave the field early in the first half, due an ankle injury, in a desperate attempt to thwart a Uni try.

The final score might not suggest this but the first period was an even affair with both teams attacking well and in general defending well.

However, weak defence by the home side gifted the Uni two tries - one of which was converted - while all the Red and Blacks had to show for their efforts was a solitary long-distance penalty attempt which went agonisingly wide.

Playing towards the clubhouse, they were confident of turning the game around but it was the Uni who went further ahead in the half due to a well-taken penalty.

After this it went from bad to worse as the Students cut loose scoring a further six tries, two of which were converted in a thoroughly dominant 35 minutes of rugby.

Woodland suffered a nasty nose injury with 15 minutes of the half remaining but, with two replacements already on the field, the Red and Blacks had to play with 14 until the referee blew for no-side.

This was a disappointing result and display from the home side who failed to capitalise and build on from the Truro game but on the plus side the team never gave up with Liam Phillips having a decent game at hooker while Sam John never took a step backwards in an outstanding 100 per cent committed performance.

Saturday sees the Red and Blacks travel to Wadebridge Camels, which is sure to be another tough encounter.

  • The Seconds had similarly chastening day up at Bristol Barbarians on Saturday, going down 48-8 in Somerset One.

This Saturday they look to get back to wining ways with a home game against Keynsham II. Kick off, 3pm.