Wells RFC 10 – Old Redcliffians 2nds 8.

Aaron Cook's 80th minute penalty saved Wells' blushes as they struggled to beat bottom of the league visitors, Old Redcliffians 2nds.

They say that mud is a great leveller and this game played on the second pitch at Wells was indeed a muddy affair, with kicks coming to an abrupt halt when they hit the ground and little flowing back play.

Wells did start strongly and with a dominant pack, plenty of penalties in their favour set up camp in the visitors' 22.

But crucially, no points came in this period of dominance. Old Redcliffians gained confidence and on their first incursion into the Wells 22 after 25 minutes scored a try.

At last, after 40 minutes of play, the Wells pack turned their dominance into points, with a push over try, Al Payne the scorer. Aaron Cook converted, and Wells had a slender two-point lead at half time.

The second half was as dour as the first, not a lot of rugby, plenty of errors and lots of penalties. This time they seemed to favour the visitors, however, and with Jed Symes off the pitch following a yellow card for an alleged high tackle, Old Redcliffians took the lead with a penalty on the 58th minute.

The game seemed to be dying. Every time Wells worked themselves into a good attacking position, there was some handling error, or penalty, and back they would go.

Eighty minutes was showing on the clock when they were awarded a penalty. There was some discussion as to whether to go to touch, or goal.

Luckily goal prevailed and Aaron's kick out of the mud wobbled over the posts and saved Wells' blushes.

Wells, now in sixth place in the table, have a week's break before travelling to Bath to face Oldfield Old Boys on February 1.

Many thanks are due to Ron Thompson Carpets who sponsored the pre-match lunch and once again chef Clive Arthur prepared and cooked a superb meal.