Western Counties West
Wellington 5, St Ives 48

BUOYED by the previous week’s marvellous victory against Sidmouth, The Red & Blacks were keen to build on this success but, on the day, St Ives proved too strong for the hosts, writes Allyn Chetland.

The Red & Blacks started poorly and this was the story throughout the half, with St Ives running in 41 unanswered points. 

The visitors were extremely efficient in taking advantage of all their attacking opportunities, whereas Wellington spurned the try-scoring chances they did create, the ball being lost over the try line during one attempt. 

The major difference between the teams, apart from the scoreline, was that St Ives kept possession very well; the hosts, by contrast, lost control of the ball when in promising scoring opportunities. 

Midway through the half the heavens opened and a deluge of rain ensued, making The Athletic Ground resemble a paddy field. 

Yet this inclement weather did nothing to dampen the visitors’ attacking play, as they continued to impress despite the worsening conditions.

The second period started exactly the same as the first for The Red & Blacks - poorly - with St Ives extending their lead to 48-0 within the first few minutes. 

Now playing for pride, the home side rolled up their sleeves and, to their credit, went on to dominate the remainder of the half in terms of possession and territory, as St Ives barely set foot in the Wellington half. 

Despite all their efforts, The Red & Blacks could only muster one consolation try, via Sandy Kiddle in the 65th minute, after an extended period of pressure on the visitors’ line. 

The extra points were missed, making the final score 48-5.
Wellington were dealt another major blow when stand-in captain Chris Kitto suffered what looks like a nasty knee injury, which could see him miss the remaining last two games of the season. 

Kitto and Tim Jenkinson, who left the field midway through the first half with a re-occurrence of a calf injury, look likely to join skipper Dan Smythe-Moore, centre Will Hancock, flanker Jack Woodland and second row Will Hinchcliffe on the ever-increasing injury list.

Welly are now seven points adrift of the teams above them in the Western Counties West relegation dogfight and have two games left to pull off an unlikely escape - starting away to mid-table St Austell this Saturday.