Wiveliscombe RFC's first XV narrowly lost to St Ives' first XV in a challenging match.

The home team, who had defeated St Ives in Cornwall earlier this season, struggled to find their rhythm.

St Ives effectively utilised their larger forwards, restricting the visitors' set-piece possession.

The home side was unable to gain an advantage in scrums, and their line-out ball was inconsistent.

Wiveliscombe, playing down the slope in the first half, scored the opening try of the game in the 15th minute.

Centre Tom Pearce capitalised on a period of pressure in the home side's 22, with fellow centre Will Thorne adding the conversion, putting Wiveliscombe ahead 7-0.

St Ives responded in the 15th minute when fly-half Rhys Brownfield kicked a penalty after a high tackle by the home defence, bringing the score to 7-3.

The visitors took the lead at the half-hour mark with their first try, scored by fullback Matty Turton, and converted by Brownfield, making it 10-7 in favour of St Ives.

Their second try came from second-row Dan Lawther, finishing off a good spell of approach play from his fellow forwards.

Brownfield added the conversion, extending the lead to 17-7 at half-time.

In the second half, playing down the slope, St Ives added another two tries, securing a four-try bonus point.

Turton crossed for his second try, with winger Rhodri Lease adding the fourth.

Brownfield converted again, bringing the score to 29-7.

Wiveliscombe, however, finished the game strongly, with Will Thorne scoring the final try, resulting in a final score of 29-12.

They are due to travel to Plymstock to play their first team for their next league game on Saturday, February 15.

Meanwhile, Wiveliscombe's second XV triumphed over Hornets' fourth XV with a score of 24-17 in Weston-super-Mare.

Isaac Hines led the way for the visitors with two tries.

Harry Clements and Cameron Palk added one try each, with Palk and Tom Caughey converting one each.

The second XV are back on the road again in the league on Saturday, February 15, with Weston-super-Mare's third XV as the opponents.