WIVELISCOMBE failed to end their lead spell when they went down 43-13 away to Plymstock Oaks in Counties One Western West.

Sixth placed Wiveliscombe travelled to Plymouth knowing they were in for a difficult afternoon against fourth place Plymstock who are a particularly tough team to beat on their own ground. The home team were in a strong position at half time, scoring twenty four points with Wiveliscombe kicking a solitary penalty through fullback Will Thorne.

Wiveys scrummaging put the home team under pressure throughout the game but Plymstock’s support play through their loose forwards found holes in Wiveliscombe’s defence which led to most of the home team’s tries.

Losing 24-3 at the interval Wiveliscombe, to their credit, created several promising moves in the second half, resulting in two tries scored by winger Dan Rottenbury and prop Matt Ellis. Plymstock increased their lead with three more tries and two conversions to complete the bonus point victory.

Meanwhile, Wiveliscombe 2nd XV remain on course to win Counties Four Somerset South after gaining a 42-5 away victory over Weston super Mare’s third team, gaining a convincing victory - their 12th in 13 matches.

Wivey are now nine points behind Martock, who are in top position, and have two games in hand and are eighteen points above third place Burnham on Sea. This latest win keeps their promotion chances very much alive. Wiveliscombe also have a far superior points difference than any other side in the division.

Wiveliscombe play Martock at home on the 22nd March in a game which could decide top team in the league.

Fixtures for this coming weekend, February 22: Wiveliscombe 2nd XV v Tor 2nds (home) League. March 1st Wiveliscombe 1st XV v Bideford 1st XV (home) League. Wiveliscombe 2nd XV v Yeovil 2nd XV ( home) League.