THE Counties One Western West rugby clash between fifth-placed Wivelliscombe and table-toppers Plymstock Oaks produced an excellent game on the Wivey Rec with the visitors gaining an enthralling 15-12 victory.

There was little to choose between the teams with Wivey’s forwards having the edge on their counterparts, and Plymstock’s threes, especially their back three, who were threatening throughout the game.

However, Wivey’s defence was excellent, limiting the visitors to just two tries - one in each half of the game.

Playing up the slope in the first half Plymstock were first on the score board, converting a penalty when Wivey committed a high tackle.

Wiveliscombe replied with a try from centre Paddy Holyday who ran an excellent line to open up the visitors defence and score near the post. Full back Will Thorne converted for an 7-3 lead. Wiveliscombe increased their lead with a second try after good pressure from their pack resulted in a try for second row Rory Stone.

Plymstock continued to create chances through their backs and were rewarded just before half time with full back Alex Chapman joining the line to cross for a try to put the visitors to within four points of their rivals.

Good rugby was played by both teams in the second half but defences held firm and just one try was scored by the visitors left wing Joe Brearly after a elusive run through the home defence. Centre Lewis Riley converted.

Wiveliscombe had a chance late in the game to level the score but the penalty was missed.

Wiveliscombe 2nd XV proved far to strong for visitors Weston-super-Mare fourth fifteen in a league encounter at Plain Pond, the home side winning the game 105-0..

The home team scored a total of 17 tries with Tom Lally crossing for four, Isaacs Hines added three, Lucus Irvine two. Eight players crossed for one try each -Date Ademard, Oliver Luxton, David Russell, Gage Heyman, Dan Strong, Paul Ridley, Morgan Ormrod, and Luke Stevul. Hugh Harris converted seven with Lucas Irvine and Tom Lally kicking two each. Wìvey are top of their league with six wins from six games.

It was a good weekend for the Wiveliscombe club with the Colts beating their Tor counterparts 64-17.  Wiveliscombes Colts crossed for six tries during this match at Plain Pond on Friday night.

Lewis May led the way with three with Ollie Standbury and Jack Lee adding two each. Luke Barrington, Kaydon Bush, Bertrand Thorne, Haydon Sweet and Rhys Langdon crossed for a try each.  

Fixtures for this coming weekend: Wiveliscombe 1st XV v Bideford 1st XV (away) League;  Wiveliscombe 2nd XV v Yeovil 2nd XV (away) League. Friday, Nov 15: Wiveliscombe Colts v North Petherton Colts (away) League. Evening KO.

Roger Bellamy