WELLINGTON and Wiveliscombe will be playing each other three times during the forthcoming rugby season, writes Barry Knott.

The fixtures follow the decision to place the Somerset Premier champions in Western Counties West next winter.

“It will be great for local rugby,” said Wellington coach Allyn Chetland whose side just missed out on promotion.

Chetland also stressed that the fact they will play each other in the league twice will not affect their annual Boxing Day games, with this years being held at The Rec.

Peter Stone, who coached Wiveliscombe last season along with Brian Stone and Rob Weaver, has also welcomed the decision to put his side in West section.

“We’re very pleased we’re going into West,” he said. “We will be replacing Winscombe who are going into the North section.

“We’re going to have quite a few derby matches next season with Honiton coming into West section along with possibly Cullompton.