WELLINGTON’S hopes of making a winning start to the rugby season under new head coach Bradley Field were dashed when they slumped to a 43-14 away defeat against Okehampton in Regional Two South West.

Wellington, who conceded the double to Okehampton last season and lost the corresponding fixture 29-0, trailed 26-0 at half time playing against a strong wind and up the slope, conceding four tries, three of which were converted.

However, Wellington refused to throw in the towel in the second half, and fought back to score tries through Ollie Price and Will Hodgson, both of which were converted by Danny Goverd.

However, Okehampton also added another 17 points to their score to run out comfortable winners.

Meanwhile, Wellington will be looking to bounce back this coming Saturday, September 13, when they play at home to Tiverton who gained an emphatic 66-10 win at the Athletic Ground in mid-November of last year.