WELLINGTON head coach Graham Dawe hopes the talented Hodgson brothers will be available for the Regional Two South West rugby match at home to bottom side Newton Abbot on Saturday, December 14 (2.30p.m.).

The pair missed Wellington’s 38-5 defeat at Crediton last weekend - both with knee injuries, with George, the lst XV’s vice-captain, having now been sidelined for six weeks.

“It’s been a very frustrating time for George because he wants to play - but he’s not been 100 per cent fit,” said Dawe. Brother Will was injured in the 29-21 home win over second from bottom Truro a fortnight ago.

Dawe is also hoping the likes of Ollie Price, Liam Phillips and Toby Redwood, who all missed the game at Crediton, will be available for selection.

The former England hooker had nothing but praise for the way his side played at Crediton despite losing. He added: “We had more possession - and the forwards put in a great stint. The scoreline did not do us justice.”

He added: “To be honest we did not expect the game to be on because of the Government’s warning not to travel. We had 18 players but some were missing as they are every week."

Meanwhile, Wellington will be looking to avenge a 51-15 away loss to Newton Abbot when the sides play each other on Saturday. This was early in the season and it is the only game the Devon side have won this season. They have lost eight in succession, the latest being a 67-19 away loss against leaders Topsham.

Fixtures, Regional Two South West: Crediton v Cullompton, North Petherton v Okehampton, Tiverton v Wadebridge Camels, Topsham v Winscombe, Wellington v Newton Abbott, Truro v Teignmouth.

Wellington 2nd XV, whose match last weekend against bottom side Cheddar Valley was postponed, play away to tenth-placed Crewkerne in Counties Three Somerset South.

Wellington are in fifth place in the table but had to cancel a recent game against Bridgwater & Albion because they could not raise a side due to 26 senior players not being available. The club are known to be concerned by the lack of commitment being shown by one or two players during its 150th year anniversary.

Fixtures, Counties Three Somerset South: Crewkerne v Wellington, Somerton v Cheddar Valley, Wyvern v Tor, Hornets v Bridgwater & Albion, Chard v Castle Cary.

Wiveliscombe lst XV have a tough home game when they play Pirates Amateurs who are lying second in Counties One Western West. Wiveliscombe are fifth in the table with six victories in ten matches.

Wiveliscombe 2nd XV, who remain top of Counties Four Somerset South despite last weekend’s loss at Martock, have no game this weekend.