WIVELISCOMBE took the honours in the annual rugby match against neighbours Wellington, winning 32-5 at The Rec, in front of a bumper Boxing Day crowd, writes Roger Bellamy.

Playing down the slope Wellington took the lead in the first five minutes after a loose pass was intercepted by Wellington captain, George Hodgson, who ran seventy metres to score an unconverted try. The conversion was missed. In a half of few chances, Wiveliscombe kicked a penalty.

Playing down the slope in the second half Wiveliscombe created some decent chances, both from their threes and forwards and were were able to cross for four tries.

Second row Rory Stone finished off a driving maul for a try which flyhalf Dan Quick converted to make it 10-5 to the home side. Wiveliscombe increased their lead through Quick’s second penalty. Scrum half Richard Baker crossed for the home team’s second try with Quick converting. Hooker Tom Stone finished off another good phase of play from the forwards to score Wivey’s third try again, converted by Quick for a 27-5 lead.

Wellington began to give away penalties which ended in yellow cards. Wiveliscombe took the opportunity to bring on their three Somerset Colts Olly Stanbury, Arthur Irvine and Jack Lee, and it was Lee who scored Wivey’s fourth try, finishing a good move to score in the corner.

The clubs’ two 2nd XVs played at Plain Pond and this game ended in a 14-14 draw. Wiveliscombe opened the scoring with a try and conversion from full back Bill Bridgway.

Wellington produced a good period of pressure and were awarded a penalty try to make it 7-7. Wiveliscombe continued to run the ball at every opportunity and were rewarded with a try from Colt Arthur Irvine, converted by Cameron Palk.

Wellington scored a try through Vinnie Robson in the second half with James Devlin converting.