WELLINGTON came up short against a side challenging for honours in Regional Two South West on Saturday, writes Allyn Shetland.

The rain in the days before the game made for a heavy and sticky playing surface but the Chiefs put this to the back of their minds, going on to dominate play in terms of territory and possession but unfortunately never dominating the scoreboard.

Against the run of play, the Chiefs found themselves 12 points down as Crediton had two opportunities to score and both chances were taken with one try being converted. After numerous attempts and pressure on Crediton’s line, the Chiefs got on the scoreboard themselves through a Josh Hancock try which was converted by Will Brewer to make the half-time score a disappointing 12pts-7 to the home side.

The second half was more even in terms of territory and possession – again the Chiefs had the more scoring chances but, like the first half, Crediton’s well organised and solid all-round defence thwarted these opportunities. Crediton were again very clinical with their chances, scoring two tries, one of which was converted plus a penalty late on. The Chiefs’ points came via a penalty try midway through the half following a series of dominant scrums on Crediton’s line.

Collecting no league points was disappointing but what was not disappointing was the work rate, attitude and the way the Chiefs approached the game.With a bit more luck and composure at times the result could have been much more favourable.

However, the Chiefs will rue making three unforced errors, all of which resulted in tries for Crediton. Forwards Ryan Marke, Toby Redwood, Ollie Price and Jack Richards had fine games, shunting their opponents back in the scrum on numerous occasions despite the heavy conditions underfoot.

Wellington: Marke, Redwood, Price, Hancock, Machin, Hodgson (W), Howe, Kitto, Brewer, Snow, Harney, Lee (capt), Hodgson (G), Gordon, Trick, Richards, Fisher, Goldstone.Picture captionWellington skipper Danny Lee in action at Crediton