WELLINGTON will be looking for a confidence-boosting performance at home to Newent today before their big Somerset Cup semi-final at home to Gordano the following Saturday.

Wellington suffered their 16th defeat of the season in South West One (W) last weekend when they went down 50-26 away to Thornbury who are lying fifth in Western Counties West.

“It was a frustrating game because we got within five points of them in the second half before Thornbury scored an interception try,” said Wellington coach Allyn Chetland. “We’ve learnt the hard way this season that in this league you can be severely punished for mistakes.

“It’s been very much the story of our season really. We’ve been competitive until well into the second half of games.”

Wellington will be looking to avenge a 26-8 away defeat by Newent, who are lying seventh, earlier this season.

“We’ve lost a couple of players from Saturday but hopefully we’ve got others coming back,” added Chetland.

Following the cup tie against Gordano, Wellington have another big game at the Athletic Ground when they have a derby match against Bridgwater & Albion on Saturday, April 23. Albion have already lost twice to Wellington this season - in the league and county cup.

Meanwhile, there is more rugby at the Athletic Ground tonight when Wellington 2nd XV play their Albion counterparts in Somerset One (7.30 p.m.). Wellington lost 38-13 against Albion in late September.

Wellington’s second string chalked up an 88-15 home win over bottom club Morganians last weekend in a game which was shortened by the referee in light of the home side’s superiority.

Wiveliscombe, who put up a spirited display before losing 48-19 away to 100 per cent leaders Wadebridge Camels in Western Counties West last weekend, face another tough game at home tomorrow when they play second-placed Newton Abbot.

The Devon side, who have won 16 games this season, beat Wiveliscombe 43-29 on their own ground in December.

Wiveliscombe 2nd XV, whose hopes of winning Somerset Two South were dashed when they lost 20-5 away to Castle Cary last weekend, are also home - to leaders Chard who cannot now be caught at the top. They are 16 points ahead of Wivey who only have only three games left. BARRY KNOTT