PROMOTED Wellington have been drawn at home to neighbours Chard in their first rugby match of the new season in Western Counties West, writes Barry Knott.

The South Somerset side, who were playing National League rugby not so long ago, flirted with relegation last season before finishing in seventh spot, but only seven points above the drop zone.

Since then both the director of rugby and the chairman have resigned.

"It’s great to get a home game on the opening day," said coach Allyn Chetland. "It’s important too that we get off to a winning start.

"It’s going to be tough but the boys are up for it. We play Crediton away the following week and they, too, did not set the league alight last season, finishing tenth. They are both winnable games."

"We could have had a far more difficult start - say down to Falmouth. That would not be easy."

Wellington were by far the best team in the Cornwall and Devon League and won the championship by nine points, with Saltash coming runners-up.

They also won the Somerset Vase by beating Winscombe, who will also be playing in Western Counties West, next winter.

Wellington’s other games in September are home to Falmouth, away to Kingsbridge and home to Paignton. The season gets underway on Saturday, September 1, and finishes on April 13.

Wellington lst XV league fixtures this coming season are: Sept 1 home v Chard, 8 away v Crediton, 15 home v Falmouth, 22 away v Kingsbridge, 29 home v Paignton. Oct 6 away v Saltash, 20 home v Sidmouth, 27 away v St Austell. Nov 3 home v Tiverton, 17 away v Truro, 24 home v Wadebridge Camels. Dec 1 home v Winscombe, 8 away v Bideford, 15 home v Crediton.

Jan 5, 2019: away v Falmouth, 12 home v Kingsbridge, 19 away v Paignton, 26 home v Saltash. Feb 9 away v Sidmouth, 16 home v St Austell. Feb 3 away v Tiverton, 9 home v Truro, 23 away v Wadebridge Camels, 30 away v Winscombe. April 4 home v Bideford, 13 away v Chard. 

* Wiveliscombe, who just missed out on promotion last season, also begin their campaign in Somerset Premier with a home fixture - against Bristol Barbarians who won Somerset One last season, winning 17 of their 20 matches. The following week Wivey are away to Bristol Harlequins who finished runners-up. Wiveliscombe’s fixtures inside.