WELLINGTON’S hopes of avoiding relegation in Regional Two South West suffered a setback when they lost 25-17 against fellow strugglers North Petherton at the Athletic Ground.

It enabled Petherton to pull off the season’s double over Wellington, having beaten their rivals 26-17 on a Friday night in early November.

Both sides went into the match just above the relegation zone with only one point separating the sides, having played the same number of games.

It was Petherton who dominated much of the game, having far more possession and leading throughout on a muddy pitch which had been heavily spiked earlier in the day following a lot of rain.

Wellington, whose side included vice-captain George Hodgson on the wing following a long lay-off through injury, were on the back foot right from the start playing towards the clubhouse end in the first half.

The visitors scored a converted try after 12 minutes before Will Hodgson snapped up an unconverted try for Wellington six minutes later.

Petherton quickly hit back with two tries, one converted, before Alex Davey scored a try in the 40th minute for Wellington with the conversion attempt hitting an upright.

Trailing 19-10 at the interval, Wellington closed the gap to only two points with a try by Cam Venn on 55 minutes which was converted by Danny Goverd.

But Petherton continued to have much more possession and went 25-17 up with two penalties - in the 65th and 70th minutes - meaning Wellington needed two scores to win the game.

A bonus point for a fourth try would have been welcome for Wellington but Petherton held on to their lead to gain a deserved win on the day and to boost their hopes of avoiding the drop.

In the top of the table clash, second-placed Crediton beat 100 per cent leaders Topsham 18-17 at home.