WELLINGTON will be chasing their 14th successive victory in Western Counties West when they play away to Penryn on Saturday, writes Barry Knott.

Graham Dawe’s men will also be looking to complete another double, having beaten Penryn 41-22 at home in October.

Wellington have not lost a game since they went down 26-18 at Falmouth in September. Since then they have beaten the Cornish side 44-7.

Despite playing in the RFU National Intermediate Cup over the weekend, Wellington remain six points clear of the field in Western Counties West - and also have a game in hand over second-placed and main title rivals St Austell.

Wellington beat Barton Hill in the cup on Saturday and coach Allyn Chetland said: “It was a game of contrasting styles. They were a forward-oriented team as are many of the sides in Western Counties North.

“Once we had adapted to their style of play I thought we played very well - particularly in the second half.”

Wellington could be without flanker Dan Lee, winger Ash Harney and prop and vice-captain Jack Richards through injury, and will definitely be without centre Chris Batts who seriously hurt his hand at work and is expected to be out for the rest of the season.

Penryn are lying ninth in the table and went down 18-14 away to Wadebridge Camels last time out.

“It is not going to be easy - it’s always difficult playing teams in Cornwall,” added Chetland. “Penryn are very much a home team.”

Wiveliscombe, who have slipped to third from bottom after their disappointing home defeat by Tiverton, have a tough away match against third-placed Teignmouth.

Prop Will Ellis, out since early December, will be back after injury along with centre Jamie Gibbs who has also been struggling but came off the bench against Tiverton.

Scrum half Hugh Kelly and fly half Dan Quick, both unavailable over the weekend, return to the squad which should be much stronger than on Saturday.

Wellington 2nd XV are home to Somerset One leaders Bristol Harlequins on Saturday while Wiveliscombe 2nd XV are without a match.

Wellington have been drawn away to Bideford in the second round of the Intermediate Cup on Saturday, February 22.