RUGBY: Wiveliscombe overcome Nailsea and Backwell in Somerset Premier

WIVELISCOMBE, lying in second position in Somerset Premier, proved too strong for the north Somerset team who in the past have been a difficult proposition, writes Roger Bellamy.

Playing down the slope, the home team had built a 14-0 lead within the first quarter with the visitors struggling to contain the home team’s forwards, especially in the set scrums.

Prop Matthew Ellis and second row Ross Pearson were the try scorers with evergreen Gareth Bellamy adding two conversions.

Nailsea & Backwell took advantage of a lapse in the home defence to halve Wivey’s lead when winger Reece Holland showed good pace and strength to sprint up the bottom touchline, breaking several tackles and touching down behind the posts. Jamie Elswood converted.

The home team reacted well, however, and went on to lay the foundations for a comfortable victory.

Under pressure Nailsea & Backwell began to give away penalties in the tackle and breakdown areas allowing Bellamy to kick to the corners, where the hosts’ forwards used their powerful catch and drive to add another two tries.

Hooker Tom Stone and a second for Ross Pearson gave Wivey the four-try bonus point, and a third conversion from Gareth Bellamy put Wivey 26-7 ahead.

Wiveliscombe’s three-quarters, with a supply of good possession, were also creating problems for the visitors and it wasn't long before they too were on the scoreboard as wing Richard Wike finished off good work by his fellow backs to score Wivey’s fifth try.

Full-back Jake Sharland was as menacing as ever and soon crossed for his first try, and Bellamy’s conversion handed the hosts a 38-7 half-time advantage.

The shape of the game changed little in the second half with the home team adding another four tries.

Wike scored his second of the game before winger Sam Gibbs, returning from injury, proved elusive during several attacks and crossed for a score after evading several tackles.

Jake Sharland capped another fine all-round performance by completing his hat-trick of tries, while Nailsea & Backwell scored one second half try as Holland added his second.

This was a fine all-round performance by Wivey which keeps them second in Somerset Premier, two points adrift of leaders Gordano.

Lee Jeremiah and Finlay Grafton also made their come back after lengthy injuries.

Somerset 2 South 
Burnham-on-Sea 2nd XV 22, Wiveliscombe 2nd XV

WIVEY came away from Burnham with a well-deserved losing bonus point following this competitive game.

The visitors crossed for three tries, two for impressive centre Matt Woollaston with George Rowe adding a third and also kicking one conversion and a penalty.

This Saturday, the 1st XV travel to Weston Hornets 2nds and the 2nd XV host Winscombe 2nds.

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WELLINGTON were awarded a home walkover against Hayle in the Cornwall & Devon league, which puts them second in the table - two points behind leaders Saltash.

As for Wellington 2nds, they edged past hosts Old Sulians 15-10, allowing them to overtake them for sixth spot in Somerset 1.

This coming Saturday, Wellington 1sts go to sixth-placed Lanner, and the 2nd XV are at home to Chew Valley 2nds, who are third.