Wiveliscombe RFC’s first team defeated Torquay 42-13 to remain top of the Western Counties West league.
The team scored seven tries, achieving a bonus point victory and maintaining an eight-point lead at the summit of the table.
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This win saw several Somerset Colts players fielded by Wiveliscombe against ninth-placed Torquay.
Wiveliscombe controlled the game, but Torquay had try-scoring chances in the first half, only to be let down by handling errors.
The defensive effort of Wiveliscombe was commendable, with their tackling proving effective against the sizeable Torquay forwards.
Wiveliscombe’s pack made life tough for Torquay’s scrum, creating attacking opportunities for themselves.
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Olly Standbury, making his debut at flyhalf for Wiveliscombe, opened the scoring with an early penalty kick, while Torquay responded via right-wing Billy Whalley, who finished a swift move by Torquay’s three-line.
Wiveliscombe ramped up the pressure, adding three tries before half-time.
Richard Baker, their quick-thinking scrum-half, scored two tries after inching near the visitor’s try line, while Jack Lee, another debutant, added the third.
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Standbury managed one conversion, while Mawgan Penrice added a penalty for Torquay.
The first half ended 20-8 in Wiveliscombe’s favour, and their dominance continued in the second half, despite playing uphill.
Jack Lee added his second try, with Standbury converting, extending the lead to 27-8.
Torquay’s winger Whalley grabbed his second try, trimming the score to 27-13.
Yet, Wiveliscombe finished robustly with three more tries.
Dan Rottenbury added their fifth try, while debutant Arthur Irvine, one of three Colts players debuting for Wiveliscombe, scored two more.
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Irvine showcased his pace along the touchline to score in the clubhouse corner.
This performance confirmed Wiveliscombe’s position as league leaders, eight points clear of second-placed Paignton.
The first team will face Barnstaple seconds away on Saturday, December 20, while the second XV will host Weston-super-Mare seconds on the same day.