WELLINGTON’S rugby captain Danny Lee is the latest player to join the club’s growing list of players either injured or unavailable for one reason or another.

Lee went off with a hamstring injury at home to Thornbury last Saturday and could be out for weeks.

The problem with injuries and unavailability has become so bad that Wellington were forced to cancel their second team match at Midsomer Norton in Somerset One last weekend.

Wellington’s 36-7 loss against Thornbury was their fourth successive loss. They led 7-5 early on before being gradually worn down by their opponents.

"I counted 13 players who could not play on Saturday," said Wellington coach Allyn Chetland. "Losing can become a habit, just as winning. It can become a difficult situation to get out of.

"We thought the problem would get better in October, and certainly by November, but here we are still in the same situation."

However, the picture is looking slightly better for tomorrow’s game at Newent in South West One (W) with Trae Gosling, who can play anywhere in the forwards, having rejoined the club after working abroad.

Wellington are also hopeful that Martin Walker, Liam Phillips, Chris Killow and Dan Goldstone will be back to strengthen the side.

Newent are lying sixth in the table while Wellington have slipped to ninth following their poor run.

Newent lost 8-3 away to Lydney last weekend but the previous Saturday gained a fine 36-18 home victory over Keynsham.

"We were very competitive against Thornbury in the first half but just could not continue in the same way in the second half," added Chetland. "It was disappointing because the first half was pleasing."

Meanwhile, Wiveliscombe will also be hoping to halt a losing run of three matches when they play away to sixth-placed Newton Abbot tomorrow.

Wivey have lost to Wadebridge Camels, Kingsbridge and Truro in recent weeks and have slipped to ninth in a very competitive division. Newton Abbot were 28-18 winners at Kingsbridge last weekend.

* WELLINGTON 2nd XV have no game this weekend while Wiveliscombe 2nd XV, lying second in Somerset Two South, are away to their Burnham on Sea counterparts.