Somerset Premier
Oldfield Old Boys 23, Wiveliscombe 1st XV 22

WIVELISCOMBE ran out of time in a game where the home side built a sizeable first-half lead, writes Roger Bellamy.

Oldfield, lying in fourth place and four points below Wivey, scored two tries through their impressive threes in a 15-minute period.

Fly-half Sam Knights crossed after a free-flowing backs move to put Oldfield 5-0 up.

Home full-back Joe Russell kicked a penalty after Wivey had transgressed at a ruck and Russell then crossed for a try of his own after another good three-quarter move.

His conversion was successful giving the home team a 15-0 lead.

Both teams had scoring opportunities throughout the remainder of the first half but poor ball handling and stubborn defences prevented any additional points before the break.

George Rowe kicked an early second-half penalty to put Wivey on the scoreboard, Oldfield then made good ground with a positional kick from which they were awarded a scrum.

Even though Wivey now had ascendency in this area, the home number eight broke away to score in the corner to extend their lead and Russell added another penalty to make it 23-3.

Twenty minutes left of the game and Wiveliscombe decided to have a real go at Oldfield.

The home team became disjointed and ill disciplined and left-wing Richard Wike finished off good work by the visitors' forwards and threes to score in the corner.

Wivey's forwards were now full flow, driving the opposition backwards and allowing back rower John Ker to force his way over for a try.

Rowe converted to make it 23-15.

The match was nearing its end and Wivey were again in a good position near Oldfield's try line.

The visitors were awarded yet another penalty and Ker took advantage of a disjointed home defence to score his second try.

Rowe again converted for 23-22 but time ran out for the visitors who had to settle for a losing bonus point.

Wiveliscombe's second team game against Bridgwater 3rds was called off after a referee could not attend the fixture.

  • On Saturday, Wiveliscombe 1st XV are at home to St Bernadette's Old Boys in the league (ko 2.15pm), while the 2nds visit Burnham-on-Sea.