Counties 1 Tribute Western West: Wiveliscombe 21-17 Bideford

Wiveliscombe posted their first league victory of the season after this tightly contested game on the Wivey Rec, writes Roger Bellamy.

Their opponents, Bideford are just above Wivey in the Western Counties West league with Wivey still in bottom position. 

Playing down the slope in the first half Wiveliscombe put early pressure on the visitors and secured a try through fly half Dan Quick to make it 5-0.

Bideford began to play some decent rugby through their forwards and threes and were rewarded with a try from winger Harry Bloodworth.

After missing last week's game scrum half Richard Baker makes so much difference to Wivey always looking for opportunities to work an opening in the opponents defence and this he did midway through the first half to score Wiveys second try, Dan Quick converted.

Quick added a second penalty just before half time to give Wiveliscombe a 15-5 lead at the break.  

Playing down the slope in the second half Bideford created numerous opportunities but failed to take the lead.

They did cross for two tries through captain Peter Bowes and a second for Harry Bloodworth with scrum half Joe Faulkner adding one conversion to bring Bideford within one point.

However the game was decided with a third penalty from Quick late in the game to give Wiveliscombe a much needed victory.