WIVELISCOMBE, again not at full strength, were beaten 29-7 at home by highflyers Paignton in Counties One Western West.

The home side gave a spirited performance against a team one point off the top of the league and looking for promotion this season.

Wivey fielded a team with several enforced changes but everyone played their part in a competitive match.

Playing down the slope in the first half Wiveliscombe created numerous scoring opportunities and were first on the score board following good pressure from their forwards close to Paignton’s try line, After several attempts to cross for the try Dave Audemard forced his way over for the five points. Flyhalf Charlie Sharland added the conversion.

Chances came and went for both teams with Wivey’s threes missing several chances to add to their score and the visitors forwards using their weight to make ground on numerous occasions . The visitors did finally cross the home team’s try line through centre Harry Law. Flyhalf Bradley McKee added the conversion to bring the scores level.

Playing down the slope in the second half Paignton used their forwards to gain good field position to create scoring opportunities which ended in three more tries. Influential number eight Jack Carlisle crossed for two of the tries with second row Ellis Ward adding the visitors’ fourth bonus point try. Bradley McKee converted all three tries.

Wiveliscombe created numerous opportunities but lacked the finishing touch although their effort throughout the game was excellent.

Wiveliscombe remain in sixth position and will be looking to improve on that over the next few weeks with four of their last six league fixtures being at home.

Fixtures, 8th Feb, 1st XV v St Ives (home) League 2.30 ko; Wiveliscombe 2nd XV v Weston Hornets 4th XV (away ). Sun, 9th, Wiveliscombe Ladies v Sidmouth ( away). Wiveliscombe Colts v Burnham on sea. (home).