Cornwall & Devon
Tavistock 7, Wellington 40

THE R&Bs made the relatively short journey into Devon last Saturday in which was only their third match in 2018, writes Allyn Chetland.

Having beaten the top two sides in the last two games the R&Bs were keen to capitalise on these wins with an away win.

The R&Bs made two changes from the side that took the field in the last outing, Ben Gamlin replaced George Hodgson in the centre while Tim Jenkinson started at scrum-half with Corey Jenkinson moving to the bench.

The referee suffered a leg injury in the first half but soldiered on to complete the full 80 minutes.

Playing up the substantial slope on a heavy surface, in the first half the R&Bs had numerous opportunities but were denied by tenacious defence.

The pressure eventually told with Nev Pitman and Danny Lee crossing for excellent tries, Alex Davey converting both, to go into the half-time break 14 points to the good.

With elements now in their favour, the R&Bs increased the intensity to score the two more tries needed for a bonus point being rewarded with tries from Chris Batts and captain Patrick Jarman, both of which were converted by Davey. 

The R&Bs went on to score further tries via Tyler Hart and Joe Dyke with Davey converting one before Tavistock scored a converted consolation try in the final minute of the game. 

The day’s objective was a bonus point win and this was achieved without hitting top gear.

Regan Walker was the stand-out player for the R&Bs while Davey again had a fine game at full-back in a fine all-round squad effort.

Next week is a busy weekend for the R&Bs. 

On the Saturday, they welcome Plymouth Arguam in a re-arranged league game and on the Sunday they host Combe Down in a Somerset Vase Quarter-final clash - both matches are a 2.30 kick-off.

The R&Bs will look to continue their winning league form but the challenge that will be on offer from The Arguam should not be under-estimated in any way. 

Combe Down will be an unknown quantity but, like the R&Bs, they are currently challenging for honours in the equivalent league in the Bath area so it should be classic old cup encounter. 

Team: R. Marke, J. Dyke, L. Wadham, R. Walker, C. Venn, L. Phillips, D. Lee, C. Kitto, T. Jenkinson, P. Jarman (C), N. Pitman, B. Gamlin, C. Batts, T. Hart, A. Davey, J. Hancock, C. Jenkinson, M. Walker.

Somerset Premier
Bridgwater & Albion 2nds 0, Wiveliscombe 88

WIVELISCOMBE looked rusty for the first 15 minutes of their Somerset Premier match at Bridgwater 2nds, but once they had blown off the cobwebs after a three-week break they proved far too strong for the division's bottom side, scoring a total of 14 tries.

Second row Ross Pearson opened the scoring after breaching the home defence with a good turn of pace to touch down near the posts, and George Rowe converted. 

Hooker Tom Stone then finished off a good move by the visiting forwards, before back rower Dan Smyth Moore – who looks to be settling down with his new club – crossed for the third, with Rowe converting the latter try to make it 19-0.

The Wivey forwards were excelling at the set-piece, and good ball from these positions gave scoring chances to the backs, which they duly accepted. 

Playing on the left wing, Jake Sharland proved too quick for the Bridgy defence, scoring the visitors' fourth and fifth tries, both times rounding the covering players out wide, and Rowe adding the extras to both. 

The final points in the first half came from one of Wivey's well-worked set penalty moves, finished off by prop Matthew Ellis. 

Rowe again converted, for a 40-0 score at half time.

The game continued in much the same vein in the second half, as the home team found it difficult to contain the now free-flowing visitors and eight more tries came from both backs and forwards to complete a resounding victory. 

Sharland added a further two to his first-half pair, while right winger Sam Gibbs also got two, reward for another fine all-round game. 

Smyth Moore crossed for his second try, with Ted Keay (having moved from centre to scrum-half) squeezing over after good work from his pack, while Rowe also scored two five-pointers to add to his four second-half conversions.

Wiveliscombe, now third in the Somerset Premier table, will need to be at their best over the coming weeks if they are to challenge for honours come April. 

Gordano are top, six points ahead, and Avon are second, three points up on Wivey. 

Avon are due to visit Wivey on March 17, for what could be a decisive game.

Somerset 2 South
Wiveliscombe 2nds 10, Weston-super-Mare 4ths 46

WESTON'S development XV proved a tough proposition for Wivey 2nds, with the visitors looking a well-drilled outfit. 

Second in the Somerset 2 South table, Weston outscored Wivey by eight tries to one. 

Hugh Harris scored all of the home team's points, with a try, conversion and penalty.

This coming Saturday, February 24, Wivey's 1st XV host neighbours Minehead Barbarians, while the 2nds are also at home, against Bridgwater & Albion 3rds.