WELLINGTON will be looking to pull off another surprise in the Papa John's Cup when they play Wadebridge Camels in the second round of the competition at the Athletic Ground on Saturday (kick-off 2.30), writes Barry Knott.
If they win, they will be only one match away from playing in the final of this national community competition at Twickenham.
Wellington fielded a makeshift side against Cullompton at home in the first round and played some of their best rugby of the season in the first half before going on to beat the Devon side 30-24, managing to fend off a second half fightback by the visitors.
Wellington led 27-5 at one stage in the second half before Cullompton, a much bulkier side, stepped up a gear and put the home side under a lot of pressure. But Wellington did not fold, although lack of disclipline almost cost them - and it was a close-run thing at the end.
It was an unexpected result particularly as Wellington played so poorly only seven days earlier when they lost at home to bottom side Burnham on Sea in the last match in Regional Two South West.
Wellington's head coach Graham Dawe, whose future with the club has still not been decided, said after the Cullompton game: "For one of the few times this season we took our chances - and we could have scored two more tries in the first half. We brought in two or three lads and they put in great shifts."
Wadebridge go into Saturday's game clearly as favourites, having finished runners-up in Regional Two South West, beating Welliongton at home (20-10) and away (35-15).
"Obviously, it's going to be a tough game," said Dawe. "We have to have the attitude we showed against Cullompton. It was a tough game but we managed to get through it.
"Much will depend on what side Wadebridge will put out. Until last weekend they would not have known if they would still be in the competition."
Wellington will almost certainly field a much stronger side against Wadebridge with the likes of Cam Venn, Regan Walker, Josh Hancock and Liam Phillips coming back into contention.
But skipper Danny Lee has a hand injury which rules him out, which means George Hodgson is likely to continue as captain, having been in the role for the past two matches.
Wellington Colts end their season with an away match against Totnes in a friendly on Saturday before competing in the Brixham Sevens.
Meanwhile, the Wellington club is continuing preparations for its 150th anniversary. Club coach Dawe has made it known he would like to be still with the club for 'a special season.' He added: "It is in the hands of the club. I would love to continue."