WELLINGTON’S hopes of winning their second successive away fixture in Regional Two South West were dashed when they lost 26-17 to North Petherton under lights.

With only three points between the sides going into the game, it was always going to be a close match.

But, for the second successive fixture, Wellington paid the penalty for a poor start in which Petherton built up a 12-0 lead in as many minutes with two tries, one of which was converted.

Wellington hit back with a try by Billy Brooks in the 15th minute, converted by Alex Davey, but Petherton responded with a penalty and unconverted try to lead 20-7 at the interval.

A try by Jack Higgs, converted by Davey, enabled Wellington to close the gap to only six points. A penalty by Petherton meant Wellington needed to score twice, but they could only muster a penalty by Davey with Petherton completing a 26-17 scoreline by adding a three-pointer towards the end.

It was a disappointing result for Wellington who were always trailing throughout the match.

Wellington will be back in action at the Athletic Ground on Saturday, November 16, when they play in-form Tiverton who hammered Petherton 51-21 at home in a league clash towards the end of last month (2.30).