WELLINGTON will almost certainly maintain their status in Western Counties North if they beat fellow strugglers Barts Rugby at the Athletic Ground on Saturday (2.30).

Their narrow 13-10 win over bottom side Gordano at the weekend – their first away victory of the season – has enabled them to open up a 15-point lead over second from bottom Barts.

“We’re not mathematically safe, but I can’t see Barts catching us now,” said Wellington’s player-coach Matt Parsons who kicked the winning points against Gordano.

“Gordano were flattered by the scoreline,” he said. “We dominated the second half.”

Wellington captain Micky Norman came through the game at Gordano with no ill-effects following a ten-week absence with a foot injury and will captain the side against Barts.

“We should be virtually at full strength for Saturday,” added Parsons. “With Paddy Jarman and Neville Pitman coming back, there should be more competition for places.

“The win at Gordano puts us in a good position and takes the pressure off us.”

The Wellington club stage a double-header at home with the second team playing on the adjoining pitch at Beech Grove against Keynsham in Somerset One (also 2.30). The 2nd XV, who have proved a competitive outfit this season, lost 22-10 at home to Bristol Barbarians on Saturday after ‘falling asleep in the first half’.

“We never got going until the second half when we scored two good tries,” said skipper Dave Turney.

Wiveliscombe, who gained a good 15-0 away win over Old Redcliffians 2nd XV, are back on home soil this weekend when they play Nailsea and Backwell in Somerset Premier.

Wivey Seconds, looking to bounce back after 7-0 home defeat against Tor in Somerset Two South, are home again – to fifth-placed Somerton.