Cornwall & Devon
Withycombe 0, Wellington 23

WELLINGTON made the short trip down the M5 and secured back-to-back wins on the road with an impressive performance away at Withycombe on Saturday, writes Allyn Chetland.

The hosts’ side was much changed from the one that lost heavily at league leaders Penryn the previous weekend, and they had not lost at home for some time.

For the Red & Blacks, Harry Ramsay – so impressive in the win over Torrington – was a late withdrawal due to a wrist injury, with Sandy Kiddle replacing him in the squad.

Corey Jenkinson came back in at scrum-half for Brad Field, Joe Dyke returned at hooker with Liam Phillips shifting to the back row, and Tyler Hart replaced Nev Pitman on the wing.

The game was preceded by a minute's silence to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Playing up the slope and against the elements in the first half, the visitors knew this would a good test of their temperament and discipline.

A bone-crunching tackle in the opening minutes of the half by flanker Danny Lee on his opposite number set the tone for the R&Bs, and the rest of the team were more than eager to back up this approach throughout.

Early pressure nearly resulted in a Wellington try, but unfortunately the ball was lost forward over the line.

Following a penalty the R&Bs kicked for an attacking lineout, and second row Regan Walker powered over the line for the first try of the game, following an unstoppable rolling maul.

As one would expect, Withycombe, with the elements in their favour, did have periods of prolonged pressure in the half but heroic defence kept them at bay, and Wellington led 5-0 at the break.

With the elements in their favour the R&Bs turned up the pressure and intensity in the second period, going onto dominate the majority of the half. 

The second try of the game came from centre Ben Gamlin, after an extended period of pressure on the hosts' line. 

Alex Davey was successful with the touchline conversion to extend the lead to 12-0, and the away side kept up the pressure to win a series of penalties, two of which were coolly slotted by Davey for 18-0. 

The R&Bs were now well on top and put the game beyond any doubt when Chris Batts crashed over for a try after great work from Chris Kitto and replacement Tim Jenkinson. 

The conversion from the touchline hit the post, and there were no further scores as it finished 23-0.

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

Once again the whole squad can be proud of their contributions in this excellent away win. 

Up front Chris Kitto impressed at No.8, while Joe Dyke & Ryan Mark also showed up well.

Corey Jenkinson is improving game by game, while Alex Davey continued with his good form at full-back. 

Despite the win Wellington drop down to third in the league, after Saltash gained a bonus-point victory at Hayle.

There is no game this weekend, so the R&Bs will return to action on November 25, when they welcome Wessex to The Athletic Ground.

Tribute Somerset 1
Wellington 2nd XV 24, Crewkerne 19

WELLINGTON returned to winning ways last Saturday, beating Crewkerne at The Athletic Ground.

The R&Bs raced into a big lead early on and this lead could have and should have been enough to see them out a comfortable victory. 

However, indiscipline meant the R&Bs were hanging on towards the end of the game, finishing with only 13 players on the pitch.

Buoyed by a new addition to the family, Andrew Bellamy seemed to be everywhere for the R&Bs; Will Lane and Nat Louis looked dangerous in the centres; and Jacob Coles and Joe Coppin also had fine games wide out.

The R&Bs dominated the loose play with captain Shane Jordan, Scott Davy and Ben Hayman excelling. 

Try scorers were Bellamy, Coppin and Coles with Ricki Mark converting all tries and also kicking a penalty.

Somerset Premier
Wiveliscombe 57, Tor 0

WIVELISCOMBE 1st XI returned to winning ways with a comfortable victory over basement side Tor, writes Roger Bellamy

The previous week's encounter at Weston was a tough game where Wivey suffered more injury problems, meaning they had to recruit from their second team for this weekend.

Playing up the slope in the first half, the home team took no time at all applying the pressure on a heavy pitch. 

Play was kept simple, with fly-half Gareth Bellamy kicking for territory when needed and using the backs when the opportunity arose.

George Rowe was first to score for Wivey, finishing off good play by his fellow threes, before winger Freddie Green showed good pace and strength to put the hosts 12-0 up.

Scrum-half Hugh Kelly was up in support to score a good try after winger Sam Gibbs had made 50 yards with a run from his own half, and Bellamy converted. 

The home team finished the first half with their bonus-point try, from forward Rob Dickens, and it was 24-0 at the break.

Two tries from impressive winger Gibbs, one converted by Bellamy, increased Wivey's lead to 36-0.

Tor, as much as they tried, struggled to create any sustained attacks throughout the game and went further behind after Bellamy showed an outrageous double dummy with his two centres to open a huge hole in the visitors' defence and score his team's seventh try.

Somerset 2 South
Wells 2nds 55, Wiveliscombe 2nds 17

WIVEY 2nds played their part in an entertaining game, but eventually succumbed to the stronger home team. 

An injury to front row forward Vince Carrington within the opening minutes didn't help the visitors' cause, but to their credit they went on to score three tries through John Palk, Callum Merrit and Adam Keay, who also kicked one conversion.

WIVELISCOMBE'S 1st and 2nd XVs have no league fixtures this Saturday (November 18). 

The following week, November 25, the 1sts travel to Bath to play Stothert & Pitt (ko 2.30pm). 

The 2nds have to wait until the following week to resume their league matches, with a home game against Castle Cary (ko 2.30pm).