WELLINGTON, who are suffering from an injury crisis, will be without at least nine players for Saturday’s home game against Barts Rugby in Western Counties North.

Barts have won only two games this season and one of these was a 24-11 victory at home to Wellington in September.

Wellington expect to be without nine first team regulars for Saturday, including player-coach Matt Parsons (damaged shoulder ligaments) and skipper Micky Norman (possible dislocated bone in his foot). Neither know when they will be playing again. Others on the injured list include James Weeks who broke his nose in the Boxing Day clash at Wiveliscombe.

Wellington slumped to their tenth defeat in 14 matches on Saturday when they went down 5-0 away to Chosen Hill Former Pupils.

“Everything seemed to go wrong right from the start,” said Parsons. “There was a crash on the motorway and we took twice as long to get there.

“Two of the players did not travel on the coach and they didn’t arrive until after the kick-off.

“We created a lot of chances but we simply could not get over their line. It is very frustrating.

“It was a deplorable day and our game was the only one played in the division. We have now lost seven games by seven points or less.

“We should be winning games against bottom sides like Barnes by 15 points or more. The longer we go on losing the harder it will be.

“Even allowing for the conditions, not scoring on Saturday was dire.”

Parsons, who has started some strengthening exercises, added: “We’re putting pressure on ourselves. I’m sure that things will improve once we win one or two games.”

Wiveliscombe are also looking to end a lean spell when they play at home to Nailsea and Backwell in Somerset Premier.

Wivey have not won a game since they beat second-placed Winscombe 10-7 at home in late November. .

Wellington 2nd XV are away to Bristol Harlequins in Somerset One while Wivey’s second string play away to Cheddar Valley in Somerset Two South.