WIVELISCOMBE secured their third rugby victory of the 2024/25 season with a comfortable 37-14 home win over Tavistock in Western Counties West.

Wivey were never at their best against a team who themselves have yet to field a settled team this season.

Tavistock, playing down the slope in the the first half, caught Wivey by surprise straight from the kick off when their flyhalf kicked to the top touchline where the home defence were deceived by the bounce of the ball allowing centre Ethan Lamerton to score a try in the first minute of the game. Chris Watts converted for an 7-0 early lead.

Wiveliscombe gradually found their form and began to put some good moves together but all too often a poor pass or wrong decision ended promising situations. Centre Tom Pearce scored Wiveliscombe’s solitary first half try while returning back Dan Quick added the conversion and one penalty.

Tavistock had their moments with several penetrating moves from their threes but the home defence held firm. Wivey led 190-7 at the interval and not a lot to choose between the teams.

Playing down the slope in the second half Wiveliscombe had those edge and those loose passes began to stick. Pressure near the visitors try line allowed No8 Daniel Smythe-Moore to force his way over for Wiveliscombe’s second try. Dan Quick slotted his second conversion to put the Somerset 17-7 to the good.

Tavistock had the odd visit close to Wivey’s try line but it was the home team who scored next with Dan Quick adding his second penalty of the game for a 20-7 lead. Scrum half Freddie Fuller crossed for Tavistock’s second try with Soco O'connor adding the conversion to reduce Wiveys lead to 20-14.

Wiveliscombe played their best rugby of the game in the last quarter, adding another three tries. Centre Paddy Holyday forced his way over the visitors try line before leaving the the field with a leg injury as the home side went 25-14 up.

Two good moves from the home team’s threes allowed left wing Lucas Irvine to out pace the visitors defence to score two tries to secure the bonus point victory. Dan Quick added his third conversion for a final score of 37-15.

Victory enabled Wivey to move up to fifth in the table - a far cry from last season when they were struggling to find any kind of form.

In other games in the division Barnstaple Athletic, winners at Wiveliscombe the previous weekend, made it three successive victoriers by beating St Ives 56-3 while Plymouth Oaks were 64-5 away winners over Bude.

Oct 12th. Wiveliscombe 1st XV v St Ives. (away) League, 2nd XV. v Hornets (home) League. 2.30 ko.

Roger Bellamy