Western Counties West

Exeter University 1st XV 50, Wellington 1st XV 8

AS the scoreline would suggest this was a tough old game, and although it was not the result Wellington were looking for, it was not for lack of effort, writes Allyn Chetland.

The Red & Blacks can take great pride in the courageous way they continued to play, causing the students problems on numerous occasions.

George Hodgson, Jamie Hayman and Lee Wadham were unavailable from the team that defeated Truro last time out, so Alex Johnson, Alex Davey and Joe Dyke came into the side.

The students were an extremely well drilled side, who are making a big push for promotion this season, and in recent weeks they have inflicted heavy defeats on both of their promotion rivals, and now top the table.

They dominated most aspects of the game but were quick to admit that the final score did somewhat flatter them.

The Red & Blacks’ points came from a Tom Hawkings penalty and a try by Patrick Jarman.

Jarman was very unlucky not to score another try, the bounce of the ball denying him, whilst Chris Kitto was also denied a try when the official controversially judged that he knocked the ball on in the process of scoring.

Captain Dan Moore impressed again, with Joe Dyke also putting in a good shift for his team, while Corey Jenkinson made his debut for the first team, coming on as a second-half replacement to join his father Tim on the field of play.

The result sees Wellington slip to 13th (second bottom) in the Western Counties West standings, as Burnham-on-Sea won against Bude to raise the stakes in the battle for survival.

Next week sees Wellington entertain Wadebridge Camels at The Athletic Ground (ko 2.30pm) – the boys would greatly appreciated the support as they take on the side currently sitting fifth in the division.

Wadebridge won the reverse fixture 28-14 in October, so the Red & Blacks are out for revenge as well as vital points to help their cause.

Somerset One

Wellington 2nd XV 10, Bristol Barbarians 24

WELLINGTON’S 2nds fell to defeat against title contenders Bristol Barbarians on Saturday.

Their 24-10 loss at home to the side in third – trailing leaders Imperial by five points and Minehead Barbarians by three – leaves them stuck on 35 points and in eighth place.

This weekend Welly are away to Keynsham 2nds, who are one place and five points ahead of them in the standings.

Also in Somerset One, Wyvern suffered a disappointing 22-12 loss away to Castle Cary.

It sees the hosts rise off the foot of the division, leapfrogging Yatton, with Wyvern stuck in 11th spot, 12 points ahead of the bottom two.

Wyvern 2nds failed to raise a side against Wells 3rds in Somerset 3 South, and this weekend they must take to the field at Weston-super-Mare 4ths to avoid being ejected from the league.