WELLINGTON’S hopes of starting the New Year with a victory were dashed when they were beaten 33-17 at home by second-placed Okehampton in Regional Two South West.

Wellington, who fielded a young side and missing skipper Danny Lee and vice-caption George Hodgson, both injured, conceded the season’s double to Okehampton who beat them 29-0 in late September.

Okehampton never looked back after scoring a try within two minutes of the start and built up a 26-10 lead at the interval, having dominated the opening 40 minutes.

The visitors snapped up another converted try early in the second half - and looked capable of winning by a big score.

But Wellington hit back with a try by the outstanding Cam Venn ten minutes later, which was converted by Danny Goverd, before enjoying plenty of possession playing towards the Coram’s Lane end.

But they could not break through again against an impressive Okehampton outfit who were relegated at the end of last season - but are looking good for promotion.

Wellington’s other points were scored by Goverd, who kicked a penalty to make it 7-3 after 20 minutes, and Jason Rowland who went over for a try, converted by Goverd, just before half-time to reduce the deficit to 16 points.