Wells 34 – Tor 3

Once again the pitches at the Portway in Wells were unplayable and once again the pitch at St Cuthbert's Mill came to the rescue.

One could not say that conditions were ideal, a brisk wind, one extremely heavy hail shower, but amazingly more than 150 spectators made the ten minute walk to watch this local derby and had an enjoyable match to watch.

Wells had a bit of a strange line up, Corey Baker at full-back and Tom Payne at outside half. Both normally play in the back row.

It was a welcome back, however, for the influential Al Payne who led the galaxy of ball carriers in the team as coach Al Simons looked for a side which could combat the heavy conditions. He also beefed up his bench with the inclusion of Nathan Anderson.

Tom Payne got the scoring started for Wells with a try after 13 minutes and although Tor hit back immediately with a penalty, some exquisite handling of the wet ball saw the impressive Leo Hamblin cross the line.

Tor were doing themselves no favours, giving away numerous penalties letting Wells get good field positions.

Will Crook was next on the score sheet and Sam Garrett's conversion took the half time score to 17 points to five in the home team's favour.

Al Payne having stopped to put a boot back on, galloped back into the fray and stormed over the line for try number four.

This half the referee was penalising Wells - on numerous occasions a good try scoring position was lost.

However, with the final whistle approaching and both teams looking very tired Tom Payne summoned the energy to burst through and Garrett added his second conversion of the half.

Many thanks are due to Mark and Adrian Ambrosini for sponsoring the pre-match lunch, Clive Arthur and his helpers did a splendid job catering for the hundred, or so, members and guests.

This Saturday (March 7) Wells host Yatton, the match being followed by England v Wales in the clubhouse.