WELLINGTON’S tough season in Regional Two South West continued on Saturday as they were comfortably beaten 57-21 by Somerset rivals North Petherton at The Athletic Ground.

Welly – who are preparing to drop down into Counties One rugby having lost all 20 games so far, started relatively well on derby day, but once the visitors – who desperately needed the points themselves to get away from the relegation play-off zone – gradually got on top and scored four tries before the break for a 26-7 lead.

The home points came from flanker Ashton Cottrell with inside-centre Alex Davey adding the extras.

Welly continued to show plenty of spirit, but the visitors notched up another five tries before the end to move three points clear of third bottom Teignmouth with two games remaining.

Wellington added further tries via skipper George Hodgson and winger Tom Slade with Davey once again knocking over the extras, but they failed to secure a third try bonus-point of the season.

Although they are long gone in the battle for survival, the Tangerines have two games remaining, starting with this Saturday’s trip to play-off chasing Ivybridge (2.30pm).

Okehampton are then the visitors to Somerset on the final day, the Okes themselves look set to finish in the top five as they seek a return to Regional One South West.

There was success for Wellington Women on Sunday in Women’s NC 3 South West (Central) on Sunday as they were awarded a home walkover by visiting Teignmouth.

It means Welly sit third in the eight-team division, six points behind second-placed Withycombe who they host this Sunday.

WELLINGTON: Evan Greening; Jonathan Long, Alex Davey, George Hodgson (capt), Thomas Slade; William Brewer, Michael Taylor; Jason Rowland, Josh Mynett, Callum Warren; Andrew Bellamy, Alistair Cameron; Ashton Cottrell, Billy Brooks, Louie Justice. Replacements: Wayne Doman, Leigh Cash, Will Marsh.

Tries: Cottrell, Hodgson, Slade; Convs: Davey (3); Pens: N/A.