WELLINGTON face one of their toughest rugby matches of the season when they play away to Cullompton in Western Counties West on Saturday.

The Devon side, relegated at the end of last season, have regrouped and are lying second in the table, having lost only three times.

Wellington, on the other hand, are bottom despite winning their last two league games at home – against St Austell and Tiverton.

They will also be spurred on by their 13-12 victory over Wiveliscombe at the Athletic Ground on Boxing Day.

“I thought we deserved to win against Wiveliscombe,” said Wellington’s caretaker coach Allyn Chetland. “We had the better scoring opportunities but could not take them.

“We’re trying to change the way we play –  be more expansive and add variety. We must stop giving the ball away once we have won it.”

“We beat Cullompton in a pre-season friendly but they proved to be a tight unit when we played them in the league.”

Cullompton will be looking to complete a double over Wellington, having beaten them 22-10 earlier this season.

Hooker Joe Dyke, winger Neville Pitman and second or back rower Ben Hayman are all likely to be in Wellington’s squad, which may include another couple of experienced players who are returning.

Wiveliscombe, who  will be looking to get over the disappointment of losing so agonisingly against Wellington, are home to second placed Weston super Mare 2nd XV in Somerset Premier.

Wivey’s joint coach Peter Stone felt his side should have beaten Wellington. “We should have won the game without a shadow of doubt,” he said. 

“We missed two crucial kicks and their defence played very well.

“I thought we had the Lions’ share of the play and we had a ‘try’ disallowed late on.”

Wellington 2nd XV are home to old Sulians in Somerset One, while Wiveliscombe 2nds are away to Midsomer Norton 3rds in Somerset Two South.