Wiveliscombe RFC's first XV narrowly missed a win against Bude in a recent match, despite their strong performance.

The Western Counties West fixture was Wiveliscombe's 15th league match of the season.

It was originally scheduled for early December but was postponed due to bad weather.

Wiveliscombe, who sit above Bude in the league, faced a tough challenge on the Cornish team's home turf.

The away side's forwards dominated the field, providing ample possession, while Bude's backline posed a threat and managed to score three tries in the first half, two of which were converted.

Wiveliscombe's only points in the first half came from Daniel Smyth-Moore, with fly-half Cameron Palk, making his first-team debut, adding the conversion.

The score at half-time was 19-7 in favour of Bude.

In the second half, the visitors upped their game, outscoring their opponents with three tries to two.

Smyth-Moore scored his second try of the game, with promising centre Will Ruell crossing for two more.

Palk converted two, bringing the home team's lead down to seven points at 33-26, which is how it remained until full-time.

Despite not winning, Wiveliscombe secured two bonus points: one for scoring four tries and one for losing within seven points.

The result sees the team drop one league place to sixth, with 46 points. They were leapfrogged by Redruth, who are on 47 points after their win over St Ives.

Meanwhile, Wiveliscombe's Colts fixture against Yeovil on Sunday, January 26, was cancelled due to waterlogged pitches, and all junior rugby was also called off.

Looking ahead, Wiveliscombe's first XV is set to face Paignton at home on Saturday, February 1, with the second XV hosting Torpoint.