Somerset Premier
Minehead Barbarians 18, Wiveliscombe 24

WIVELISCOMBE expected a tough league encounter away to West Somerset neighbours Minehead, who would stay in contact with their visitors if they secured the win, writes Roger Bellamy.

Expectations of a fast, open game never seems to materialise, probably because of the pressure experienced by both teams, and this game proved no different.

Minehead based their game around their pack and Wivey chose to keep the ball in hand and move it wide whenever possible. 

Minehead took an early lead with the home supporters celebrating in front of the visiting spectators, but Wiveliscombe hit back with Hugh Kelly finding space off a Wivey lineout close to the home try line to touch down for a try which Dan Quick converted to give his team a 7-5 lead.

The home team retook the lead using a well-constructed driving maul and, though the conversion was missed, they added a penalty after Wivey were penalised for a high tackle.

Wiveliscombe could ill afford to fall too far behind with the home team looking to take control of the game. 

The visitors kept their composure and were rewarded with a second try through winger Sam Gibbs, who squeezed over in the bottom corner as Wivey went into half-time 13-12 behind.

Second row Ross Pearson scored an important try to give Wivey the lead, which they would keep for the remainder of the match. 

Dan Quick converted to put Wivey 19-13 up but Minehead pulled it back to 19-18 with their third try.

The visitors had the last laugh, however, with influential Jake Sharland running 60 metres to score in the corner to secure a four-try bonus point victory.

Minehead and Wiveliscombe gave a full-blooded performance and the home team will be looking for revenge in the return fixture in January.

Somerset Two South
Wiveliscombe 2nd XV 8, Yeovil 2nd XV 6

WIVELISCOMBE continued their recent good form to take the honours in this keenly-contested game. 

Wivey have been seeing good numbers turn up for a game on Saturdays and the competition is increasing the level of performance.

Three-quarter Freddie Green crossed for the all-important try with Hugh Harris kicking the vital conversion to beat high-flying Yeovil. 

This Saturday, the 1st XV host Old Redcliffians 2nds and the 2nd XV travel to Bridgwater 3rds.

Cornwall & Devon
Plymouth Argaum 1st XV 0, Wellington 1st XV 50

AWAY league games are never easy and, having never played The Argaum before, this was a trip into unknown for The R&Bs.

Preparations were hampered somewhat with numerous players from the previous week’s squad being unavailable.

Brad Field and Chris Batts were unavailable to travel, while Ben Gamlin and Lee Wadham both fell foul to an illness bug with back row man Danny Lee once again filling in at the unfamiliar role at centre. 

A further setback was captain Paddy Jarman having to withdraw from the starting XV 30 minutes before kick-off, again due to illness. 

Tim Jenkinson stepped up from the bench to replace with Joe Dyke taking over the captain’s duties.

On a heavy, undulating, wind-swept pitch The R&Bs played up the slope against the elements but went on to play some excellent rugby. 

The weather worsened but The R&Bs did go into half-time 19 points to the good via tries from Chris ‘Choo Choo’ Kitto and two by Micky Norman, with Alex Davey converting two.

Now playing down the quite substantial slope and with the wind at their backs, The R&Bs continued in the same vein. 

The bonus point try came via Tyler Hart, who was making his first appearance for the 1st XV this season, which was converted by Davey. 

The R&Bs went on to score four further tries via replacement Sandy Kiddle, who came on for Regan Walker, Corey Jenkinson, Danny Lee and Tim Jenkinson. 

Davey converted two to take the score to 50-0. 

With the weather taking a further turn for the worse, the ref decided to call a halt to proceedings 10 minutes early. 

Martin Walker, brother of Regan, made his 1st XV debut when replacing Jason Rowlands with 25 minutes to go.

Team: J. Rowlands, J. Dyke (c), J. Hancock, R. Walker, H. Ramsay, C. Kitto, L. Phillips, M. Norman, C. Jenkinson, T. Jenkinson, G. Hodgson, D. Lee, E. Stalker, T. Hart, A. Davey, M. Walker, S. Kiddle, P. Jarman.

Saturday sees The R&Bs entertain Plymouth Albion Oaks (ko 3pm).