Cornwall & Devon
Wellington 30, Bude 22

WELLINGTON entertained Bude last Saturday at the Athletic Ground in what was a highly competitive encounter, with the Cornish visitors keen to avenge the 27-21 loss at the hands of the Red & Blacks earlier on in the season, writes Allyn Chetland.

The hosts made numerous changes from the previous week, as Sandy Kiddle replaced the injured Shane Jordan, Jason Rowlands came in for the unavailable Ryan Marke, Will Hinchcliffe moved to the back row to replace Chris Kitto, and Regan Walker started in the second row.

Tyler Hart had to withdraw from the team following a wisdom tooth extraction, with Chris Batts replacing him on the wing, and Josh Hancock returned to the squad after a few weeks on the sidelines due to injury.

Bude took an early 3-0 lead after the R&Bs conceded a penalty at a scrum, but the home side responded via an unconverted try by full-back Alex Davey, following a period of prolonged pressure.

Two more quick tries followed, the first from Will Hinchcliffe after a superb team move, converted by Davey, and the second was an unconverted try from Joe Dyke following a well-worked attacking lineout.

That took the score to 17-3, but despite these setbacks the visitors kept in touch with a converted try of their own to reduce the arrears, before Nev Pitman crossed for an unconverted bonus-point try just before the break, giving the R&Bs a half-time lead of 22-10.

The second period was a hectic and error-strewn affair, and the visitors' confidence grew as the R&Bs fell on the wrong side of the referee's decisions on numerous occasions.

The lead was cut to seven points following a well-taken unconverted try, but stung by this setback the hosts responded with an unconverted try of their own, as Regan Walker crashed over wide out to make it 27-15. 

Bude mounted a period of pressure on the home line, with Wellington reduced to 14 when captain Patrick Jarman was sent to the sin bin following a series of team penalties. 

The away side took full advantage and were awarded a penalty try soon after, to get back within touching distance of the R&Bs. 

However, Davey settled the hosts' nerves with a well-taken penalty five minutes from the end of the game, which finished 30-22.

The performance wasn’t the prettiest, but the objective of winning with a bonus point was achieved. 

Wellington played some sparkling rugby at times, scoring some excellent tries, but credit where credit is due, they could not shake the tenacious Bude off their tails. 

Sandy Kiddle made his first appearance for a number of months due to work commitments, and thoroughly deserved to be named the man of the match in the clubhouse afterwards.

Wellington: J. Rowlands, J. Dyke, L. Wadham, S. Kiddle, R. Walker, W. Hinchcliffe, L. Phillips, D. Lee, T. Jenkinson, P. Jarman (c), G. Hodgson, B. Gamlin, N. Pitman, C. Batts, A. Davey, J. Hancock, C. Jenkinson, J. Weeks.

This week sees Wellington play two games in three days. 

On Thursday, they travel to North Petherton RFC to take on Gordano in the semi-finals of the Somerset Vase (ko 7.30pm). 

Gordano will be an unknown quantity for the R&Bs, but they are challenging for honours in the equivalent northern league, currently occupying top spot, so it should be a classic cup encounter.

On Saturday, Hayle make the long trip to the Athletic Ground. 

The Cornish side are languishing near the regulation zone so once again Wellington will have be prepared to battle a team desperate to put some distance between themselves and the sides below.

Somerset Two South
Castle Cary 74, Wiveliscombe 2nds 0

WIVELISCOMBE travelled to East Somerset to play top of the table Castle Cary knowing they were in for a tough afternoon against a team top of Somerset Two South who have lost just once this season.

Wivey's young team deserved credit for their attitude throughout the game which will put them in good stead for the remainder of the season. 

Lying in sixth, Wivey have an attractive home game against fifth place Burnham-on-Sea next week which will be a much closer encounter.

Wiveliscombe first team's last fixture was three weeks ago against Stothert and Pitt and the players cannot wait to return to action at Nailsea and Blackwell on Saturday. 

The North Somerset team, who are in fifth position in Somerset Premier, will provide a good test for second-placed Wivey, who go into the weekend sat seven points below leaders Gordano with a game in hand.

The West Somerset team will be cheered on by a large contingent of past players who will be having an away day jolly!

Somerset Three South
Taunton Wanderers 26, Wyvern 6

THE top two in Somerset Three South met on Saturday, with leaders Taunton Wanderers overcoming second-placed Wyvern.

The Wanderers have now won all 14 of their league matches this season - they are looking to maintain their unbeaten record at Midsomer Norton on Saturday.