WELLINGTON’S rugby boys will be looking to avoid a potential banana skin when they play away to bottom side Paignton in Western Counties West on Saturday.

Paignton lost 27-6 at the Athletic Ground in September, but Wellington coach Allyn Chetland felt they “did not look like a side struggling at the bottom of the table.”

He said: “They played some good rugby here so I’m not sure what is wrong. Certainly all away games are tough, as we found out at Bideford recently.”

Wellington won impressively 54-22 at home to Kingsbridge over the weekend, despite being forced to make four changes.

Chetland added: “Selection is going to be a bit of a headache. Danny Lee and Vinny Gordon are both back in contention after missing the Kingsbridge game.”

Full back or centre Rob Hooper (cracked finger) is fit again and unlucky scrum half Will Brewer (broken wrist) is back in training, giving Wellington further options.

Although starting the New Year with two good wins Wellington are still lying fourth and are 13 points adrift of leaders Sidmouth who have only lost once this season.

Wiveliscombe, 11 points clear at the top of Somerset Premier, play away to sixth-placed Imperial who won 12-7 at Minehead over the weekend. Wivey have lost only one league game this season and beat Imperial 38-15 at home early in the season.

Wellington and Wiveliscombe 2nds will both be looking to end lean spells. Wellington play away to North Petherton 2nd XV in Somerset One while Wivey will be hoping for their first victory in Somerset Two South at home to their Minehead counterparts.

n Second-placed Wellington Colts play away to Somerset League leaders Frampton Cottrell away on Saturday. See team photo on page 28.

barry knott