Wiveliscombe’s supporters had to endure a nail biting one point victory last week and this week the very same happened against their visitors from North Devon, a talented and robust Bideford side that has been in terrific form recently.

Wivey were never at their best in this game but outscored Bideford by two tries to one and dug deep to secure the narrowest victory possible, 15-14.

Playing down the slope in the first half, Wivey took the lead with a Will Ellis try after good approach work by the home forwards, the try was unconverted.

Despite this lead, Wivey struggled to find any consistency through the forwards and backs and gave away several penalties, two of which were converted in the first half by scrum half Joe Faulkner to give Bideford a 5-6 lead after the first quarter. 

When Wiveliscombe did put some moves together, they looked dangerous, especially wide out and this is where they scored their second try after a good threes move to put Jake Sharland over in the top corner. The conversion was missed but still enough for a 10-6 lead at the interval.

Playing up the slope in the second half, it was going to be a difficult 40 minutes for the home team but, to their credit, they never stopped working and battling against a Bideford side growing in confidence.

Wivey were under pressure at times but had good spells. A third penalty from Joe Faulkner closed the gap to one point and the visitors took the lead when they crossed for their only try of the game in the third quarter with No8 Jack Chapman forcing his way over the try line, 10-14 going into the closing stages. 

Towards the end of the game, Wivey had a good period of play keeping them in their opponents twenty two, from where they developed a good move finished off by Winger Jake Sharland. The conversion was missed but Wiveliscombe had secured a valuable victory to earn four league points.

The next fixtures will see Wiveliscombe travel to Penryn on Saturday, while the seconds are also away, at Huish Tigers.