If Wells RFC had any hopes that following relegation to the Tribute Somerset Premier League life would get any easier, they were quickly disillusioned.

After just 53 seconds in their first game of the new season at Nailsea and Backwell, the hosts crossed for a converted try.

The West End ground in Nailsea does have a significant slope so it is fair to say that in this first half they now had two mountains to climb.

There was plenty of endeavour and in the set scrum especially, Wells were completely dominant, possibly not earning their justified rewards, but on the other hand there was some sloppy play.

Passes were not always accurate and went to ground, and with the home side ever willing to swoop, good field positions were lost.

After half an hour the Wells scrum forced a penalty, Aaron Cook reducing the deficit. Minutes later Al Knight crossed from short range and Cook added the extras, but the advantage was short lived, for back came Nailsea with a converted try to give them a 14 point to 10 interval lead.

An early penalty by Cook brought Wells right back into the game and when Adam Withers finished off the best move of the match with a try, again converted by Cook, Wells seemed to be on the way to victory.

However, they could not march on and the home side scored twice more. Luckily for Wells the final conversion failed, so at least they came away with a losing bonus point, with the final score being Nailsea and Backwell 26 - 20 Wells RFC.

A mention for Aaron Bayliss making his first team debut on the wing. Unfortunately this week, the ball did no go his way so he had no opportunity to shine, I am sure that he gained from the experience.

This Saturday (September 14) Wells are at home to Imperial with a pre-match lunch being sponsored by Mike Phelps. Kick off at 3pm.

The Wells Second Team start their season away at Morganians in Bridgwater.