Western Counties West
Cullompton 1st XV 19, Wellington 1st XV 13

THE Red & Blacks made the short journey south to Cullompton last Saturday, where the home side are sitting in second place, writes Allyn Chetland.

They made one change to the team that defeated Wiveliscombe on Boxing Day with Josh Hancock replacing the poorly Ryan Marke at prop.

For the first 25 minutes, The Red & Blacks were guilty of giving the home side a little too much respect and this, coupled with an unusual passive defence, allowed the home side to generate a lot of momentum.

The end result was Cullompton taking an early 14-point lead after they were gifted the Cullompton backline a try and then a push-over try from the forwards.

The Red & Blacks upped their game but failed to score before the break.

The second half was a different story, The Red & Blacks now believing themselves and playing the better rugby.

Tom Hawkings reduced the arrears via a penalty and further opportunities were created but not taken.

Cullompton increased their lead to 19-3 after another pushover try but The Red & Blacks went straight back on the offensive.

From just inside the 22m line and, after a well-worked lineout move, Josh Hancock used his bulk to smash his way over the line; Hawkings made no mistake with the extra points making the score 10-19.

Cullompton were now visibly rattled as the Red & Blacks went on the attack again.

Desperate defence saw Cullompton concede a number of penalties, one of which was hammered though the posts by Hawkings to reduce the arrears and enter bonus point territory.

With minutes remaining, The Red & Blacks regathered the re-start and immediately put together a fine attacking move, unfortunately this move was halted on Cullompton’s try line.

Ultimately, it was the unusual lethargic first 20 minutes that cost Wellington the game but, despite the loss, a losing bonus point takes them off the bottom of the league.

The second half performance can give the team a lot of confidence for the next league game which is Burnham at home on Saturday (ko 2.30pm).

It was also pleasing to see Joe Dyke return to fitness playing a good 55 minutes after months on the sideline.

***

Somerset One
Wellington 2nd XV 34, Old Sulians 10

SATURDAY at The Athletic Ground saw Wellington’s second string face Old Sulians, a first team from Bath.

The home side were confident going into this game after a great display on Boxing Day but knew from their last encounter that Sulians are a tough outfit.

Wellington started strong, looking to throw the ball around, but a loose pass then led to a counter-break for the visitors, who eventually took the lead through a penalty.

Wellington returned to their go-to tactics of the rolling maul, and Sam John, returning from first team duty, got on the end of a great lineout drive to score, as all eight forwards powered over.

Alex Davey kicked the conversion from out wide.

An almost identical kick to the corner and catch-and-drive led to another score, this time hooker Harry Tredwin claiming the glory.

The conversion was again kicked from out wide by Davey, for a 14-3 lead.

Sulians hit back though, their scrum-half catching the home side napping with a quick tap penalty to nip over.

But Davey, who must have got new boots for Christmas, steadied the ship with two penalties, either side of half time.

After the break Wellington scored two more tries and also kept the visitors out.

The first try came from another driven lineout, skipper Dave Turney powering over, Davey converting.

The second try of the half and bonus point then followed, as quick hands from backs and forwards found Davey, who raced in to score in front of the home crowd, then added the conversion.

Man of the match: Alex Davey.

Wellington are away on Saturday, at Clevedon 2nd XV.