Western Counties (W)

Wellington 44, Falmouth 7

WELLINGTON stayed top of the table with a bonus point win over Falmouth in their first game of 2020, writes Allyn Chetland.

The R&Bs made numerous changes from their last outing against Wiveliscombe with Joe Dyke, Regan Walker, Dan Goldstone, Ash Harney and Rob Hooper all returning to the starting XV while Chris Batts made a welcome return on the bench after three weeks on the sidelines.

The hosts made a stuttering start but, despite not firing on all cylinders, it was obvious to decent-sized crowd that the R&Bs were the far better and more organised team.

Wellington did show glimpses for what was come later in the game when captain Patrick Jarman dummied his way over for an unconverted try to open the scoring after 10 minutes but they had to wait until the last minute of the half to extend their further with another unconverted try, via the impressive Ash Harney, following a superb team attack.

Falmouth did have a period of pressure but were thwarted by resolute defence by the R&Bs, who went into half-time 10-0 up.

The second half started with Wellington again on the offensive, putting Falmouth under extended periods of pressure.

The stuttering first period was forgotten as all cylinders started to fire and the things that didn’t go quite plan in the first half started to fall into place in the second.

In a thoroughly dominant half, Wellington crossed for six tries via winger Nev Pitman (2), Harney with his second, Chris Kitto, Cam Venn and Rob Hooper, who also converted two tries.

As hard as they tried, Falmouth found it extremely difficult to contain a home team now playing with increased continuity and confidence.

The tries scored by The R&Bs in the second half were quite outstanding – patience, interplay between the team and work rate was there for all to see.

Falmouth did have 10 minute purple patch during which they crossed for a converted try in their only real scoring opportunity of the half.

It took a while for The R&Bs to get into their stride during this match but, once they did, you could sense the confidence running throughout the squad.

While not getting on the score sheet, Vinny Gordon had an impressive game in the centre, as did Ash Harney on the wing, while captain Patrick Jarman organised his team well at outside half.

Up front, the R&Bs pack had the better of their opposite numbers all afternoon.

Will Hodgson, playing his last game of the season before he goes travelling around the world impressed, as did Liam Phillips, Regan Walker and Cam Venn.

This Saturday, Wellington travel to Kingsbridge.

When the two sides met earlier on in the season The R&Bs ran out comfortable winners but a trip an away to Kingsbridge is never easy and this is sure to be one of the sterner tests The R&Bs will face this season.

Wellington: Richards, Dyke, Walker (M), Walker(R), Venn, Hodgson (W), Phillips, Kitto, Goldstone, Jarman (C), Pitman, Hodgson (G), Gordan, Harney, Hooper, Davey, Hancock, Batts

WELLINGTON 2nd Xv travelled to Midsomer Norton and were very unlucky not to come away with the spoils.

Two dropped balls whilst on the attack resulted in two converted tries for Norton – these unfortunate scores ultimately proved to be the difference between the two sides in a final score of 29-13.

WYVERN were beaten 26-0 by Chard 2nds in Somerset 2 South.