WELLINGTON have been drawn away to Swindon in the South West Division final of the National RFU Intermediate Cup on Saturday, March 14, with the winners going through to the final at Twickenham, writes Barry Knott.

Swindon have home advantage because they beat Witney 48-0 in the Southern Counties final - a bigger victory margin than Wellington’s 14-5 win at Bideford over the weekend in their South West Counties final (see page 31).

Wellington always looked the more likely winners in North Devon, although both sides scored only one try. Jack Richards snapped up a five-pointer for Wellington who led 5-0 at half time while Rob Hooper kicked three crucial conversions and a penalty in the second half.

“I thought we were the better side throughout,” said Wellington coach Allyn Chetland. “The boys are playing well and Rob is kicking his conversions.”

Meanwhile, Wellington have another tough game this coming weekend when they play at home to Teignmouth in Western Counties West. Wellington trail leaders St Austell by one point but have a crucial game in hand.

Teignmouth, who did not make the best of starts to the season, are fourth in the table and are eight points behind third-placed Kingsbridge but have two matches in hand.

Wellington will not be at full strength, though. Hooker Joe Dyke has a toe injury, while three regulars this season, prop and vice-captain Richards, back rower Cam Venn and centre George Hodgson, are away skiing. From a rugby point of view it is perhaps not the best time to take a holiday but, as Chetland says, its ‘their choice.’

Wiveliscombe, who had a blank weekend and slipped two places to third from bottom, also have a hard game in Western Counties West - home to Kingsbridge who, mathematically, could still win the championship although the title race looks very much between St Austell and Wellington.

Wiveliscombe are one of six teams involved in a dogfight to avoid relegation with only 11 points separately the sides.

Wellington 2nd XV will be looking to end their lean spell - they are third from bottom in Somerset One - when they play away to Cheddar Valley while Wiveliscombe 2nd XV, third in Somerset Two South, are home to their Minehead Barbarians counterparts.