WELLINGTON face potentially their toughest rugby match of the season when they play away to leaders Exeter University in Western Counties West on Saturday, writes Barry Knott. 

The students hammered Devonport Services 43-15 away in their last match 11 days ago, while Wellington gained a fine 20-14 home win over fourth-placed Truro.

“Much will depend on what side the University field,” said Wellington’s chairman John Dunbar yesterday. “Sometimes they field a very strong side, as they did against us earlier this season, and sometimes it can only be a scratch team.

“We’ve certainly been playing much better and if they are not at full strength we could run them close.

“But we’re not kidding ourselves. It’s going to be hard but the boys will be up for it.”

With no games in the division over the weekend, the students top the table with a five-point gap between themselves and second-placed Cullompton.

Wellington remain third from bottom despite their win over Truro but are only one point behind Bude, both sides having played the same number of games.

Bude play away to Burnham on Sea who have the same number of points as Wellington but have a game in hand.  

Wiveliscombe, whose scheduled home game against Bridgwater & Albion 2nd XV over the weekend was postponed for a second time, are home to Crewkerne in Somerset Premier.

Wivey beat bottom side Bristol Harlequins 29-15 away last time out and will be chasing their 12th victory of the season.

Wellington 2nd XV are home to Bristol Barbarians in Somerset One while Wiveliscombe 2nd XV play at Somerton in Somerset Two South.