A BUMPER crowd of two thousand plus turned up to watch the annual Boxing Day rugby match between Wellington and Wiveliscombe at the Athletic Ground which ended in a exciting 14-14 draw.

Going by the league positions of both teams at present, a close match was expected and that’s how it turned out with honours even in a game played in foggy and damp conditions.

Wellington had an edge in the scrums but Wivey’s lineouts gave the visitors enough decent possession to make this a game where both teams were always in with a chance of winning.

Both team’s defences proved difficult to breach with full blooded tackling in abundance. Wiveliscombe were first on the score board with their three-quarters creating enough space to enable right wing Jake Sharland to dive over for the game’s first try. Fullback Will Throne added the conversion for a 7-0 lead to the visitors.

Wellington always looked dangerous with their driving mauls and in and around the rucks from which they scored their first try through hooker Josh Mynett, with fly half Tom Owen adding the conversion to level the scores at 7-7.

Play continued to spread from one end of the pitch to the other with both teams kicking the ball into each others twenty two areas from where they tried to attack from deep, giving both sets of supporters some nervous moments.

Wiveliscombe took the lead for the second time in the game with Jake Sharland diving over for his second try to the delight of the many visiting supporters. Will Thorne added the conversion points for a 14-7 lead for the visitors.

Wellington were awarded a couple of penalties towards the end of the first half which they kicked to touch for the lineout but Wiveliscombe’s defence was good enough to prevent their hosts. playing towards the Coram’s Lane end of the ground, from adding to the score.

Play in the second half continued to produce some decent rugby from both teams, giving their supporters plenty of opportunities to exercise their vocal cords which the Wellington supporters did when their team added their second try through winger Billy Brooks after a well constructed move by his fellow backs. Full back Alex Davey converted to bring the scores level again at 14-14.

Wiveliscombe were awarded three penalty kicks in the last ten minutes of the match but all three dropped wide of the target although one was mighty close to putting Wivey back in front for a third time. The fact all three were missed was fair as both teams deserved to take something from this game, especially Wellington who are celebrating their 150th anniversary season.

Roger Bellamy