WIVELISCOMBE led 24-7 against Somerset Premier League leaders Gordano but finally succumbed 36-24 in an entertaining game.

All but seven points were scored by teams playing down the slope on a pitch that became increasingly slippery as the game progressed.

Wivey lost the toss and played down the slope in the first half and had the edge over the league leaders. Surprisingly they secured three tries from driving mauls, a play which the visitors pride themselves in perfecting.

Wivey’s second row forward, Ed Scanlon touched down on all three occasions to obtain his hat-trick.

Full-back Jake Shar-land added the home team’s fourth bonus point try, a good individual effort to touch down in the bottom corner. Fly half Dan Quick converted two of the tries.

Lee Worgan crossed for Gordano’s only try in the first half. Joe Rowsell converted but Wivey led 24-7 at the break.

Home supporters had hopes that their team might hold out in the second half but the visitors showed their pedigree and went on to score five second half tries.

Joe Rowsell, Kaine Southey, Josh Richards, Joe Harris and Tom Arnold crossed for one try each with Rowsell converting two.

Wiveliscombe: Hugh Kelly, Dan Quick, Jake Sharland, Richard Wike, Alex Westcott, Dean Rawles, James Hughes, Will Ellis, Tom Stone, Matt Ellis, Ed Scanlon, Phil Hayes, Finlay Gratton, Jamie Marshall, John Ker (capt). Subs: Sam Gibbs, Barry Lockyer, Jamie Gibbs, Simon Adams.