WELLINGTON and Wiveliscombe are set to play their first games of the season in Western Counties West on Saturday.

Graham Dawes’ Wellington are away to Chard while Wiveliscombe, promoted after winning Somerset Premier, are away to Bideford.

Both were involved in pre-season warm-up games last Friday with Wellington playing at home to North Petherton while Wiveliscombe visited Gordano.

Wellington lost 23-7 to Petherton while Wiveliscombe also lost 19-7, but both local sides treated these games very much as trial matches with the results not important.

Wellington start as one of the favourites for the championship, having finished third last season. They would have won the title had they not had five points harshly deducted. They finished three points behind the eventual winners Sidmouth.

“That’s behind us,” said coach Allyn Chetland. “We start with a clean sheet. We still have a comparatively young side and the lads can’t wait to get going. Selection is expected to be on Wednesday (Sept 4) and there’s plenty of competition for places. It’s going to be very difficult.”

Wellington skipper Paddy Jarman, who has led the side for the past two seasons, did not play on Friday because he has not fully recovered from damaged ankle ligaments and was not risked.

It means the selectors will have to decide whether or not to include him in Saturday’s side, possibly as a replacement. If he does not play, young prop Jack Richards will captain the side.

Wellington’s last game of the 2018-19 season was also at Chard where they beat the home side 43-12, with the South Somerset side managing to avoid relegation by a single point.

Wellington are expected to include back row forward Jack Woodland who has rejoined the club after two seasons with Weston super Mare.

Wiveliscombe lost only three games in winning Somerset Premier last season and they know this winter will be a ‘challenge.’

No 8 John Ker has taken over the captaincy and Wivey will be relying on their strong pack to set up victories.

With both Wellington and Wiveliscombe playing in the same division, there is the prospect of playing three derby matches this season.

Wiveliscombe fly half and kicker George Rowe is doubtful for the game in North Devon after damaging his ankle playing in the friendly at Gordano on Friday.

Wellington 2nds and Wiveliscombe 2nds are not in action until the following weekend.