WELLINGTON 2nds gave a good account of themselves at St Bernadette's Old Boys - a side that has only lost once all season - but still lost 45-10.

Wellington did not have the best preparation for the match as they arrived just 20 minutes before kick-off after the coach driver took the scenic route to the ground.

They also found out on route that two players were unavailable due to work and car problems so first team hooker Joe Dyke, who was travelling to support the side, volunteered to play back row in begged and borrowed kit.

With very little time to warm up, it was no surprise that Bernadettes took an early lead through some great inter passing and support play; their astronomic fly half added the extras with ease.

The game settled into a strange pattern where Wellington enjoyed most of the territory and possession but were unable to break down the solid home defence, and as soon as Bernadettes turned the ball over they were able to use their classy off loading game to keep the ball alive and score tries at regular intervals.

Tom Sargent scored Wellington’s only points of the half with a well taken penalty.

With the half time scores 31-3, it seemed that Bernadettes were going to run away with the match.

However, the introduction of experienced Jon Hendy and Chip Chedzoy into the front row seemed to spur the Wellington side on and after a 50m break by Hendy, Wellington found themselves deep in Bernadettes territory.

The home side started to panic and give penalties away frequently, one resulting in a player being sent to the sin bin for back chat to the referee.

It seemed inevitable that Wellington would gain a score of their own and it came in the form of a penalty try after captain and Number 8 Chris Hughes, was denied his first try of the season after the Wellington eight had driven the larger opposition over the line from a 5m scrum.

Tom Sargent bisected the posts with his conversation attempt.

Unfortunately this was the highlight of the match for Wellington as any chance of at least a losing bonus point was snuffed out when Bernadettes scored two tries in quick succession to end the match 45-10.

Although Wellington lost the match, they can be very pleased with their team spirit and determination not to give in.

Bernadettes are a very good side and have players that could easily play a few leagues higher.

Stand out players for Wellington were Shane Jordan, whose tackle count was in the mid 20s, Joe Dyke, who showed that if you’re good enough you can play anywhere, and Matt Page making his debut for the 2nds after recently signing from near neighbours Wiveliscombe.

Wellington: Wadham, Chalker, Maggs, Jordan, Turney, Gill, Dyke, Hughes, Hinton, Dean, Holland, Sargent, Breese, Page, Cash, Hendy, Chedzoy.