WELLINGTON, who lost narrowly to leaders Sidmouth over the weekend - their first home defeat in 18 months - face another tough match this Saturday when they play away to third-placed St Austell in Western Counties West.

Wellington lost 29-26 to Sidmouth who snapped up 12 points when the home side were down to 14 men in the second half.

“The result did not go our way but I cannot fault the lads,” said Wellington coach Allyn Chetland. “The boys can be proud of themselves. Sidmouth were a very good side indeed and yet we could have won it.

“It was nip and tuck all the way. Sidmouth had a good pack of forwards - their strength was up front.”

Despite losing for only the second time this season Wellington are only five points behind Sidmouth and only two points adrift of Saturday’s opponents.

“We face a long trip down to St Austell but the lads can take heart from their performance against Sidmouth,” added Chetland. “We know that we are going to be in for a hard game.”

Meanwhile, the team of the moment, Wiveliscombe, will be looking to maintain their 100 per cent start to the season when they play away to tenth-placed Hornets 2nd XV on Saturday.

Wiveliscombe chalked up their seventh victory of the season when beating third-placed Nailsea & Backwell 29-10 at home over the weekend. Ironically, Wivey have been struggling right from the start of the season with injuries and were without four recognised first team players against Nailsea.

“We’re coping but we don’t want any more injuries, “ said Wivey coach Peter Stone whose side have now stretched their lead at the top to seven points.

Wellington 2nd XV, fifth in Somerset One following their 26-8 home win over Castle Cary, are away to Old Sulians, one place below in the table, while Wiveliscombe 2nd XV will be looking for their first victory of the season in Somerset Two South when they play away to Somerton.