WELLINGTON will be looking to avenge last year's rugby defeat by Wiveliscombe when the sides meet in their annual Boxing Day clash at the Athletic Ground (2.15p.m.).

The fixture is played annually on alternative grounds with Wellington having lost 26-10 at The Rec in the last encounter.

Previous to this, Wiveliscombe had to go back to the 2008-9 season when they last beat their neighbours with Gareth Bellamy captaining the side to a 25-15 victory.

Since then Wellington have enjoyed almost 100 per cent success although the sides fought out a 14-14 draw in the 19-20 season. In the 15-16 season Wivey lost 17-13 and in the 16-17season just one point separated the sides (13-12).

However, there was no question who were the better side last year with Wiveliscombe stunning their neighhours before a big crowd. Wiveliscombe scrum half Richard Baker scored his side's opening try and he is likely to be one of Wivey's danger men against Wellington this Boxing Day and can be a match-winner.

The fixture is a money spinner for the club staging the game and Wellington are expecting a crowd of at least 1,000 next week with the weather obviously playing an important part.

Normally, Wellington would start as favourites by virtue of playing in a higher division - Regional One South West - but they have not been having a good time of things in their 150th season while Wiveliscombe, who play in Counties One Western West, are much improved.

Of course, much will depend on what players will be available for both sides. Some players have family commitments which is understandable. Wellington, in particular, have found it difficult to field a settled first team this winter with 26 players being unavailable for one weekend recently.

As is tradition, the day will begin with a match between the club's 2nd XVs which is due to kick off at 11a.m. Wellington won the corresponding match last year 29-13 at Wiveliscombe.

Meanwhile, both Wellington and Wiveliscombe have league matches before their big Boxing Day date. Wellington lst XV make the trip to play Wadebridge Camels in Regional Two South West.

The Cornish side are having a good season and are always a difficult side to beat on their own ground.

Wellington 2nd XV have a home game against Taunton side Wyvern in Counties Three Somerset South (2.30p.m.). This looks like being a close match.

Wiveliscombe lst XV play away to Barnstaple 2nd XV in Counties One Western West. There is little to choose between these two teams in the league.

Wiveliscombe 2nd XV, who have been impressive this season in Counties Four Somerset South, are away to Morganians.