WIVELISCOMBE traveled to North Devon hoping to secure their 7th win of the season in the Western Counties West league but were fortunate to add one bonus point to their league points which keeps them in 9th position after they were beaten 15-12 by Bideford.

Wivey played a large part of the second half with 12 players and in the end showed tremendous character to hang on for one losing bonus point.

Tom Llally, Will Thorne, Jake Sharland, Alex Westcott and Dan Rottenbury left the field of play with three not to return.

Wiveliscombe were first on the score board with a try from Tom Llally to give them a perfect start, which Dan Rottenbury converted.

The visitors had the edge in the first quarter especially in the scrums where they gave the home team all sorts of trouble although the home team’s larger forwards were well drilled in their driving mauls.

This led to their first try through second row Dec Smale. Winger Mitch Harris converted to make it 7-7.

Wiveliscombe scored their second try of the match through winger Dan Rottenbury after good work from his fellow backs to give them a 7-12 lead but a second try from Smale leveled the score at half time.

Bideford were soon on the offensive in second half as Wivey’s team was disrupted by players picking up injuries but to their credit Wiveliscombe defended with great spirit and limited the home team to a solitary penalty which was converted by Richard Weston.

Wiveliscombe 2nd XV had better luck as they beat visitors Burnham On Sea 2nd XV 16-0 , Wivey securing a much needed victory after going through some difficult  times recently.

But they fully deserved this win over Burnham and will look to finish their season with couple more victories over the next few weeks.

Centre Josh Hall and front row forward Dan Strong crossed for the home team’s two tries with conversions from Hugh Harris and Cameron Palk playing his first senior game on his 18th birthday.

Fixtures. March 9th: Wiveliscombe 2nd XV v Castle Cary, (home), league.  March 16th: Wiveliscombe 1st XV v Penryn 1st XV, (home), league; 2nd XV v Chard 2nds, (away), league.