WIVELISCOMBE, fielding a side below full strength, were beaten 33-26 away by Bude in Western Counties West.

The fixture was rearranged from a date in early December through poor weather conditions. Bude, who sit several places below Wiveliscombe in the league but are a difficult team to beat on their seaside pitch, and this proved to be the case.

Wiveliscombe had the edge up front with their forwards supplying good possession in most areas. Bude looked the more dangerous in the backs and scored three tries in the first half with two being converted. Wiveliscombe’s first half points came from their No8 Daniel Smyth-Moore, with fly half Cameron Palk, making his first team debut, adding the conversion.

Wiveliscombe, trailing 19-7 at half time, had the edge in the second half, out scoring their hosts three tries to two and had the chance to win the game . Dan Smyth-Moore added his second try of the game with promising centre Will Ruell crossing for two. Cameron Palk converted two to close the home team’s lead to seven points.

Although Wiveliscombe failed to secure the win the two bonus points, one for scoring four tries and one losing bonus point for finishing within seven points of Bude gave the visitors some reward for their effort throughout the game.

Wiveliscombe drop one place in the league to sixth on 46 points with Redruth Seconds moving above them on 47 points after their 29-5 win over St Ives.

Wivey should not be too disappointed with the result considering the promising outlook with the number of youngsters looking to play first fifteen rugby.

Wiveliscombe Colts’ fixture against Yeovil at home on Sunday, Jan 26, was postponed because of waterlogged pitches as was all junior rugby.

Fixtures for Feb 1: Wiveliscombe 1st XV v Paignton (home ), League. 2.30ko; Wiveliscombe 2nd XV v Tor (home).