Somerset Premier

Tor 3 Wiveliscombe 10

WIVELISCOMBE were given a stern test by a Tor team two places below them in the division.

Finlay Grafton and Ross Pearson touched down for Wivey, against a Tor side reduced to 14-men early in the second half.

The visitors were missing a couple of players from the team which inflicted a heavy defeat on Nailsea and Blackwell last week, but were worthy winners.

The pitch was very soft in places and both teams had to dig deep during a second half in which both team had chances, but defences won the day most of the time.

Tor took the lead during the first quarter with their loose forwards forcing Wivey to transgress at a ruck.

Dan Farriday converted the penalty to give Tor a 3-0 lead.

Play went from end-to-end but Wiveliscombe were gradually gaining superiority in the set scrums which enabled them to put pressure on Tor close to their try line.

On one of these occasions, Wivey created a good driving maul resulting in a try for Finlay Grafton. The conversion was unsuccessful.

The second half continued in a similar fashion, but the turning point came mid-way through the half when a Tor forward was red-carded for throwing a punch.

The advantage was not instantly obvious, but Wiveliscombe began to find the odd gap in Tor’s defence and scored their second try, again coming from a driving maul, second row Ross Pearson touching down on this occasion.

Players from both teams tired noticeably in the last quarter with the heavy conditions taking their toll.

Wiveliscombe remain in seventh position in Somerset Premier, with Tor moving up one place to ninth with their losing bonus point.

Wiveliscombe’s second XV could not raise a team for their away fixture at Winscombe.

On Saturday, Wiveliscombe play their local derby fixture at home to Minehead Barbarians, while the second XV travel to Minehead.

Anyone wishing to attend the Past Players’ Dinner on April 2 should contact Roger Bellamy on 01984-624191 for information.