LEADERS Wellington will be chasing their tenth successive rugby victory when they play away to Cullompton in Western Counties West on Saturday, writes Barry Knott.

Wellington have a one-point lead over second-placed St Austell - and also have a crucial game in hand.

They beat fourth-placed Bideford 25-12 at home in their latest game over the weekend and coach Allyn Chetland said: “It was a really good display in difficult and heavy conditions. We adapted to the wet conditions which don’t normally suit our style of play.”

Wellington will also be hoping to pull off the season’s double against Cullompton, having beaten the Devon side 51-24 at home earlier in the season.

Cullompton have won only four of their 13 matches and trail Wellington by 32 points.

“All away games are difficult in this division and so we won’t be underestimating them,” added Chetland.

Prop Ryan Marke has a recurrence of a shoulder injury while hooker Joe Dyke took a knock to the head against Bideford. Both could be doubtful starters against Cullompton while winger Nev Pitman is unavailable.

However, Wellington have strength in doubt this season and have cover for these positions.

Wiveliscombe, now bottom of Western Counties, fielded a side well below full-strength when losing to Penryn on Saturday. Their pack remains sound but it is when the ball is played outside which is the problem.

Wiveliscombe are away on Saturday to Saltash who lost to Wivey 34-24 at Rec earlier this season, one of only two wins to date for the West Somerset side.

Wellington 2nd XV, fourth in Somerset One, are home to Cheddar Valley while Wiveliscombe 2nd XV, second in Somerset Two South, are home to Wyvern.

n Wellington play leaders Wiveliscombe at home in the Somerset RFU’s Under 18 League on Saturday (2.30).