WIVELISCOMBE’S 2007-2008 rugby season is well under way with the 1st XV having played eight games to date by 27th October. Hopes of promotion were high before the start of the season, but at present a finish in the top half of the table is more realistic. Defeat at home in the first league match against Burnham-on-Sea wasn’t the best of starts. The visitors fielded a strong team that included two Fijians with international credentials who were a thorn in Wivey’s side throughout the game. Burnham eventually won 12-38.
 

Wivey’s hopes were raised by victories in their next two matches, beating Crewkerne away 48-6 and Coombe Down (Bath) 37-12 at home. But four defeats in the next four games killed any hopes they had of gaining a top two finish. Nailsea and Backwell won two of the four games, one in the league 31-0 and the other in the EDF Cup 26-9, and other defeats were against Old Culverhaysians from Bath 26-27 at home and Broad Plain on their pitch in Bristol 6-3.
 

Keynsham seconds were Wivey’s last opponents before this report. Playing at home Wivey played well at times and ran out comfortable winners 24-8. They now lie in 7th position in the Somerset One league.
 

Wiveliscombe Seconds have made a very good start to the season and lie in third place in the Somerset Three South league on the same points as Taunton 3rd XV. They have played seven league games with one being cancelled. Victories have been secured against Crewkerne, Midsomer Norton, Tor (Glastonbury), Wells and Chard, the onedefeat being against North
Petherton. There was one cancellation when Weston Hornets failed to raise a team.
 

Third XV results have also been encouraging although they have struggled to arrange regular fixtures because of the league set up. Victories have been recorded over Chard (Away) 14-22, Sidmouth (home) 26-5 andExeter Saracens (home) 33-7.
 

Colts rugby is again looking very strong as in previous seasons. This year is a very young group compared to most of their opponents. Results, if not all victories, have been very encouraging, the highlight of their season so far being two victories over West Somerset neighbours Minehead.
 

Ladies rugby is up and running with a couple of games being played to date.

Junior sections are now up and running with good numbers turning out for training and matches in all age groups viz, U14 and
U15.

Social highlights in the Club over the last few months must include watching the progress of England in the Rugby World Cup on the newly installed big screen TV. The atmosphere during England’s semi-final and final games was fantastic with good crowds turning out to cheer on their heroes.
 

The Town and the Club’s names were well advertised all over France due to Chairman of Rugby Robert Burston’s Jaguar travelling to numerous games during the tournament with its distinctive St George’s Crossdesign. Well done Rob!
 

Club members are now looking forward to the Six Nations Championship hoping England can repeat their efforts of recent weeks.

Roger Bellamy