Somerset Premier
Weston-super-Mare 2nd XV 31, Wiveliscombe 31

WIVELISCOMBE left Weston with a valuable and hard earned three points after a pulsating game, writes Roger Bellamy.

Three first half tries put Wivey in a good position at half time as prop Matt Ellis, winger Sam Gibbs and full-back Dan Quick each crossed for five pointers, and Quick converted all three. 

Weston scored a solitary try through prop Mike Bennett, which was converted by Archie Tilsley, as Wivey went into the break 21-7 ahead.

The hosts came out fired up for the second period and reduced Wiveliscombe's lead to four points in a short space of time as number eight Brian Webb and fly-half Harry Jones crossing for a try apiece.

Wivey hit back hit back with a Tom Stone try, as he capitalised on a mistake made by the home team at a lineout near their own line.

Sam Gibbs, who caught the eye on numerous occasions throughout the match, then crossed for his second try of the game to open up a 31-17 lead.

Wiveliscombe looked good for a bonus point victory with quarter of the game to go but it didn't work out that way as injuries began to take their toll.

Weston began to get on the wrong side of the referee and were reduced to 13 players but, despite this, were able to take control. 

Whether the visitors took their foot off the gas or the home team's 13 increased their efforts is unclear, but two tries from back row duo Jacob Cox and Billy Kirk, both converted by Tilsley, pulled Weston level at 31-31.

The final result was a fair reflection of the game with both teams earning two points for the draw and one four try bonus point. 

The visitors will hope to have their injured players fit for next weekend's clash with Tor on the club's past players and sponsors lunch day.

Anyone who has not yet replied to attend the above lunch can still contact Roger Bellamy on 01984 624191 - those already coming please arrive at noon for 12.30 lunch.

Wiveliscombe's second team fixture at home to Tor seconds didn't take place as Tor were unable to raise a team.

Cornwall & Devon
Torrington 3, Wellington 29 

THIS fixture always had the potential to be a bit of a banana skin for the R&Bs and early signs weren’t good when, upon arrival, it was announced the referee was stuck in traffic and he was unsure when he would arrive at the ground, writes Allyn Chetland

The match eventually started 20 minutes late after a rushed pre-match warm up and, in swirling wind and on a sloping pitch, the hosts obviously had a game plan they had used numerous times before that suited playing in these conditions. 

These tactics were somewhat limited but suited their needs, whereas Wellington were always keen to play attractive rugby. 

Harry Ramsay was the first to score for the visitors after a series of forward drives and Alex Davey made no mistake with the extra points, but Torrington responded with a penalty soon after. 

The R&Bs second try was the best of the match from within their own half, with George Hodgson the orchestrator and Ben Gamlin the scorer, though the extra points could not be taken. 

Buoyed by this score, Wellington went onto dominate the rest half and scored their third try via Chris Batts five minutes before the break - the conversion was missed and the visitors went into half-time 17-3 ahead.

The visitors started the second half well and saw their efforts rewarded when Batts crossed for his second and his teams fourth to secure the bonus point.

The game did somewhat degenerate into a bit of arm wrestle after this, with Torrington employing some questionable tactics to slow the R&Bs ball down at every opportunity, but despite these ‘spoiling’ tactics the hosts could not stop Batts crossing for his hat-trick try which was duly converted by Davey.

Despite the physical home side's best efforts in the dying minutes they could not breach the R&Bs, who finished 29-3 winners.

This Saturday sees Wellington make the short journey down the M5 to Withycombe.

The Devon side experienced a difficult afternoon against league leaders Penryn away last Saturday going down heavily – the R&Bs can expect a backlash.

Team: R.Mark, L.Phillips, L.Wadham, W.Hinchcliffe. R.Walker, D.Lee, H.Ramsay, C.Kitto, B,Field, P.Jarman (c), N.Pitman, B.Gamlin, G.Hodgson, C.Batts, A.Davey, J.Hancock, T.Jenkinson, J.Rowland

Wellington 2nd XV lost 14-10 at Keynham in Somerset One.