WELLINGTON lst XV have only seven games left in which to haul themselves out of trouble in Western Counties West following Saturday’s 50-8 defeat away to leaders Exeter University, writes Barry Knott.

Three of these matches are at home, starting with this coming weekend’s game against fifth-placed Wadebridge Camels (2.30).

Wadebridge will be chasing the season’s double over Wellington who lost 28-14 in Cornwall at the end of October, after leading 14-10 at the interval.

It was the Wadebridge pack which turned around the game, denying Wellington possession in the second half.

Wellington’s other home fixtures are against fellow strugglers Bude on March 11 and St Ives (sixth) on April 1.

Wellington’s caretaker-coach Alley Chetland, who remains upbeat, said: “I think we must try to win all three home matches and hope to pick up points away from home.”

Wellington’s away games are against Torquay Athletic (8th), Sidmouth (7th), St Austell (9th) and bottom side Crediton which rounds off the season.

“We have to be honest and say Exeter University were the better side in all departments on Saturday,” said Chetland. “But we took the lead and scored a try - and we could have scored a couple of other tries. They fielded their strongest side and I thought we gave them a game.”

Wadebridge lost a crucial away match 25-17 at Truro on Saturday, a result which meant both teams swopped places.

Wiveliscombe, who crushed Crewkerne 126-0 in Somerset Premier on Saturday with Jake Sharland scoring ten tries, are away to mid-table Gordano. Wiveliscombe remain fourth after their huge victory. In all my years of reporting I cannot ever remember a local player scoring ten tries.

Wellington 2nd XV will be looking to bounce back after their defeat by Bristol Barbarians when they play Keynsham away in what should be a close game in Somerset One, while Wiveliscombe 2nd XV are home to Chard who are third in Somerset Two South.